Khrystyna Zai performs at event celebrating the Kurt & Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

Image: Khrystyna Zai Master of Music in Violin Performance & Concertmaster of Florida Atlantic Symphony Orchestr

On November 6, 2024, faculty, students, community members, donors, and alumni joined in celebrating the new Kurt & Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building on Florida Atlantic's Boca Raton campus. The building will house the new Holocaust Museum and other important human rights programs at FAU.

Khrystyna Zai Master of Music in Violin Performance & Concertmaster of Florida Atlantic Symphony Orchestra performed during the event.

Khrystyna writes, Upon receiving the invitation to perform at the Kurt & Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building on FAU’s Boca Raton campus, I did not expect my own violin would remain untouched that evening. When I arrived, I was introduced to a collection of Holocaust-era artifacts, including a violin that had survived that dark time. The instrument had not been played since the Holocaust; several components had been removed for preservation, and it was noticeably out of tune. However, as I listened to Craig Weiner recount its history, I felt drawn to perform solely on this historic violin.

After carefully reassembling and tuning it, I played the first notes, moved by its vivid yet profoundly gentle and resonant sound. Knowing what this violin and its owners had endured, it was a humbling experience to perform the theme from Schindler’s List and my own improvisation on this remarkable instrument.

I am deeply grateful to the audience for their heartfelt responses, to the organizers for their warm welcome, and to fate for granting me the opportunity to honor history through music. Such moments leave an indelible mark on the soul.