Kuba Enoch’s lasting legacy
In January this year, Kuba Enoch posthumously received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition for his work educating thousands of students at the Sydney Jewish Museum – a JCA-supported organisation – on the lessons of the Holocaust.
“It’s up to us to make this world better. That is why I am speaking here to the children, to make the world a bit better,” he had said.
His grandson, James Enoch, spoke about the lasting legacy Kuba was able to leave through his work at the museum and his participation in the Dimensions in Testimony project.
“Kuba endured the worst that humankind has seen. He lost most of his extended family in the Holocaust, including his beloved younger brother who was liquidated in the Krakow Ghetto and his dear mother who was so close to him, whom he never saw after she was transported from the Plaszow Concentration Camp to her death,” James said.
“He arrived in Australia as a refugee and loved the Australian values of freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity. Starting with nothing, the opportunity Australia presented meant, with his work ethic, he not only found work but built businesses and a loving, Jewish family in a place where they were free to practise their religion.
“The humble and gentle man who would not say more than a few words at the dinner table growing up went on to give his testimony to tens of thousands in large groups well into his 90s as a living historian and volunteer survivor at the museum, which welcomes more than 50,000 visitors per year.
“He saw the power education had to ensure atrocities like the Holocaust never happened again. He has educated children and adults alike, through the museum and other avenues for nearly 20 years creating a better, more collaborative future for our society.
“No matter what race you are, what colour you are, what religion you are, respect each other.”
He fought ailing health to film the Dimensions in Testimony project so coming generations will be able to spend time in his presence in an interactive two-way narrative to learn about his story.
Last year, (numbers reduced due to COVID), the museum educated almost 20,000 students (online and in person). The community’s support also enabled nearly 25,000 adults to visit the museum in person or enjoy online discussions on various topics of interest, catering to a diverse audience.
Support the museum through JCA: jca.org.au
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