Richard Freedman has retired after 14 years as the director of the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre.
Chairman of the CTHGC Board of Trustees, Gerald Diamond, recently announced Heather Blumenthal as the new director. Gerald went on to say, “Heather has worked alongside Richard since the start of 2019 to ensure a smooth handover. She comes to the position with a deep sense of community and a passionate interest in the Holocaust and the lessons it has for humanity. She ran her own film and television production company for many years and her well-known television series for SABC, focusing on Jewish affairs, meant that she kept her finger on the pulse of the South African community, its range and diversity. This will, no doubt, also contribute to her ability to position the CTHGC in both the national and international arena.”
Commenting on Heather Blumenthal’s appointment, Richard Freedman said, “at a time when Holocaust and genocide education has an ever more important role to play in addressing rising antisemitism and the racism and xenophobia still so evident in South African society, Heather’s ability to look at the broader picture and identify what is meaningful and important is going to be crucial. Through her experience in making documentary films Heather understands the need to explore the essence of the subject in order to educate and broaden perspectives. She is a ‘people person’, who engenders enthusiasm in others. This is all important in meeting the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead for the Centre in the years ahead.”
This year the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre marks 20 years of commitment to building a more just and caring society through its extensive educational and public programmes. Should you wish to become involved with the Centre, Heather would be happy to hear from you. Please email her at director@holocaust.org.za
