Violins of Hope
Presented by the Minnesota JCC
Violins of Hope, a powerful collection of 70 restored string instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, will be in Minnesota in May and June 2026. These extraordinary violins will be featured in local performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that honor the memory of the Holocaust and carry a message of hope, resilience, resistance, and unity.
This inspiring initiative is presented by the Minnesota JCC and made possible through the generous support of individuals, organizations, and agencies dedicated to Holocaust education and the transformative power of music.
Special thanks to The Martin and Esther Capp Family Fund of the St. Paul Foundation, Kris and John MacDonald, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
About
Violins of Hope
Israeli violinmakers, Amnon 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.
Media and Marketing
For the latest updates and information about Violins of Hope Minnesota, visit ViolinsofhopeMN.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Kline, Senior Director of Jewish Arts & Culture at the Minnesota JCC, at katiek@minnesotajcc.org.