Presented by the Minnesota JCCViolins of Hope
A Legacy of Resilience,
Here in Minnesota
The Minnesota JCC was honored to host Violins of Hope, a world-renowned collection of 70 instruments that survived the Holocaust and told the stories of those who played, hid, carried, and saved them. Bringing together more than 50 regional partners, the JCC presented this residency through concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, book talks, family programs, and worship services across Minnesota.
Throughout the residency, visitors encountered these instruments not simply as objects of art, but as powerful witnesses to history. By sharing their stories and placing them into the hands of musicians, the residency helped ensure this extraordinary legacy remains a vital part of our collective memory. Together, thousands of participants stood in the presence of this history, heard these remarkable stories, and experienced the music that continues to inspire remembrance, resilience, and hope.
Discover Violins of Hope
About Violins of Hope
Israeli violinmakers, Amnon (z”l) and Avshalom 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 within 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.
Violins of Hope has been featured in books, print, film, and television. They have been used in lectures and educational programs worldwide, exhibited in museums, and triumphantly played in concert halls around the globe. Through performances, exhibitions, and educational series, the instruments have impacted and inspired hundreds of thousands of people of all ages.
Violins of Hope has traveled across the globe and has been featured in Rome, Tel Aviv, London, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and many other cities.
Learn About the Instruments
Discover the Minnesota Violins of Hope Instrument Collection—70 restored instruments that survived the Holocaust, each carrying a powerful story of resilience, loss, and survival. Explore their histories and hear the voices of those who safeguarded them, bringing the past into meaningful dialogue with our present.
Retrospective Image Gallery: May-June 2026
Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
Thank you to the generous sponsors of Violins of Hope. Your support helps bring powerful stories of resilience, remembrance, and music to our community. Because of you, these extraordinary instruments, and the history they carry, continue to inspire, educate, and connect us all.
Family Legacy Sponsor
The Eiger & Zaidenweber Families
Chazak Sponsors
Martin & Esther
Capp Family Fund
of the St. Paul Foundation
Chazak Sponsors
Kris & John MacDonald
Chazak Sponsors
The PBJ Memorial Fund
Chai Sponsors
Wendy and Steve Baldinger
Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Marvin Pertzik
RBC Wealth Management
Temple Israel
Waldman, Belzer, and Roether Families
Kehilah Sponsors
Anonymous
Davidman Family
Bruce Goodman
Lapidus, Weinstein, and Witzke Families
Lerner Publishing Group and Kar-Ben Publishing
Rosanne Nathanson
St. Paul Jewish Federation
Howard B. & Ruth F. Brin Jewish Arts Endowment Fund
Christine Zuck