Current Exhibitions

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE
Currently on view

Butterflies of Hope was initiated by the Sydney Jewish Museum in an effort to raise awareness of the ongoing plight of the innocent victims of war. Developed for children 10+ and their families, the exhibition introduces the Holocaust from a Child Survivor's perspective.

Butterflies of Hope takes its inspiration from ‘The Butterfly’ poem written by Pavel Friedmann while in the Terezin Ghetto. 

The experiences of Sydney-based Child Holocaust Survivors are highlighted, along with original objects and photographs.  A photographic exhibition of children caught up in recent genocides also features in the exhibition. 
The underlying theme of hope and inspiration is underpinned by the display of hundreds of the heartfelt butterfly messages gathered since 2006 – and visitors are invited to add to this growing collection with their own message of hope for children affected by such atrocities, in support of the right of every child to live in peace

ENEMY ALIENS: FROM UNWANTED REFUGEES TO VALUED AUSTRALIANS
On view until end July 2010

From June 1939, leading to the declaration of War, fear that some of the thousands of foreign nationals resident in Australia could become saboteurs or spies led to the enactment of the Aliens Registration Act. Nationals of countries at war with Australia were classified as Enemy Aliens having to register with the police and obtain permission to travel or change abode. 

For the majority of Enemy Aliens the restrictions and surveillance was enough. However, for those thought to be dangerous or pro-German, they were interned. As in World War I, internment camps were established, often in remote locations, to house both local and overseas internees sent to Australia.

8,000 so-called Enemy Aliens were shipped to Australia for internment for the duration of the War. The number of ‘local’ internees amounted to 7,000 including many Jewish refugees who had fled Nazi Germany to escape persecution.

This exhibit presents a glimpse into a range of responses at being classified as an Enemy Alien. Anecdotes recall some of the injustice and indignity as well as some of the humorous and ironic aspects of this predicament.

From unwanted refugees to valued Australians was made possible through a generous grant from the Community Relations Commission.