On November 15, 2007, under the auspices of Minister of Culture Mgr. Václav Jehlička and Mayor of Prague MUDr. Pavel Bém, the Foundation for Holocaust Victims (NFOH), in cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Prague, held a Beneficiary Concert at the Spanish Synagogue.
Opening the evening, Prof. Felix Kolmer shared a poignant reflection: ‘I recall the year 1944 when I arrived at the Auschwitz extermination camp, where a sense of purpose helped me survive. At the time, I felt like a Scout—a bit stronger and more resilient than fellow prisoners—and I believed that as someone stronger, I might endure more and perhaps help those who needed support to survive. This idea was so strong that it helped me survive mentally and physically amidst everything surrounding me. Naturally, as a twenty-two-year-old, I couldn’t articulate it clearly then, but Professor Frankl, who passed through Auschwitz at the same time, later formulated this concept as a professor of psychology in Vienna: those who held a clear purpose—and helping others was among the most crucial—knew why to go on living, which aided their survival.’ Equating his memory with the mission of the NFOH, Prof. Kolmer emphasized that working toward a noble cause is deeply enriching before presenting the Foundation’s work.
The musical program was performed by Jiří Stivín and the Talich Chamber Orchestra, who presented compositions by Edvard Grieg, Antonio Vivaldi, and Johann Sebastian Bach. Following the performance, guests were invited to a reception on the upper floor of the Spanish Synagogue for an informal continuation of the evening.
We express our gratitude to NFOH Board Member Taťjana Pelíšková for her invaluable help and guidance, to the Jewish Museum in Prague for their cooperation, and to Táňa Fischerová, who generously volunteered her time to host the concert. We also thank all donors—OHL ŽS a.s., České vinařství Chrámce, Robin Böhnisch, and all anonymous contributors—as well as our dedicated volunteers for their assistance with event organization. Proceeds from the concert will support projects across the Care, Remembrance, Future, and Restoration programs of the Foundation for Holocaust Victims.
