The Arlington Height Memorial library in partnership with the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago) is proud to present Violins of Hope, showcasing Jewish stories of resilience, resistance, and unity through the power of musical performance. On exhibit will be a selection of this private collection of lovingly restored violins, played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. 

View the exhibit on the library's First Floor from August 7 through September 7. Learn more

About Violins of Hope
Israeli violinmakers, Amnon and Avshalom (Avshi) Weinstein, have spent the last 20 years collecting and repairing 70 Holocaust-era violins and other stringed instruments from around the world, some with the Star of David on the back and others with names and dates inscribed in the instrument. Together they have lovingly located and restored the violins to reclaim their lost heritage, give voice to the victims and reinforce essential messages of hope, harmony, and humanity. The violins have traveled to cities across the globe, including Rome, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Cleveland, London, Washington D.C., Sarasota, Birmingham, Fort Wayne, Phoenix, San Francisco/East Bay, Los Angeles County, Richmond and now Chicago.

JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 60,000 community members who learn, grow, and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round.