UPDATE: Dr. Breann Fallon has been appointed as the new CEO of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, marking a critical moment in Holocaust education as Australia grapples with an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents. This urgent leadership change comes at a time when understanding historical traumas is more vital than ever.
Dr. Fallon, whose deep personal connection to Holocaust history fuels her mission, has dedicated her career to educating others about the Holocaust. Her grandparents, who survived harrowing experiences in Nazi-occupied Europe, inspire her commitment to this cause. They endured forced labor and imprisonment, yet their stories remained largely unknown to her until she began her journey into Holocaust education.
“I always knew my grandparents had gone through something during the Holocaust, but I didn’t know the specifics until years into my work at the Sydney Jewish Museum,” Dr. Fallon states. This revelation highlights the importance of personal stories in understanding the broader implications of history.
Under her leadership, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum aims to combat contemporary hatred through education, emphasizing the identification of hatred and antisemitism. Dr. Fallon envisions the museum as a lifelong resource for all, stating, “I want people to think of this museum as a place to learn how to be a good human.”
The museum’s mission extends beyond traditional school visits. Dr. Fallon aims to position the Melbourne institution alongside renowned facilities like Yad Vashem and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, striving for international recognition while maintaining strong local community ties.
As antisemitic incidents in Australia surge to unprecedented levels, Dr. Fallon’s leadership is more urgent than ever. She acknowledges the tension surrounding Holocaust education and its role in addressing contemporary issues, emphasizing, “If we forget or let this go, we are dishonoring those who suffered and doing a disservice to ourselves.”
In a world where empathy often feels diminished, the museum’s focus on human connection is paramount. “When visitors come through, they meet another person—whether it’s a survivor or a volunteer. This humanity is what makes us special,” Dr. Fallon explains.
The museum seeks to create “multiple touch points” across individuals’ lives, collaborating with various organizations to deepen the understanding of antisemitism. Dr. Fallon contemplates the value of true understanding over quick fixes, suggesting that the museum’s role is to foster a mindset that resists hatred.
Her vision encompasses both remembrance and resilience, blending heavy historical content with messages of hope. “We’re a place where hope shines brighter than hate,” she asserts.
Dr. Fallon’s appointment signifies a shift for the Melbourne Holocaust Museum as it navigates the transition from lived memory to historical education, ensuring personal connections are not lost. Her own journey of discovery—unearthing her grandparents’ stories after committing to Holocaust education—demonstrates how purpose can illuminate unexpected truths.
In an era where Holocaust memory faces denial and misuse, Dr. Fallon’s approach provides a vital commitment to preserving the human essence of this history. “I often think that my grandmother was guiding me in this direction,” she reflects, embodying the connection between past and present.
As the museum prepares for a new chapter, the urgency to educate and inspire empathy is clearer than ever. With Dr. Fallon at the helm, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum is set to play a crucial role in shaping how future generations understand and confront the realities of hatred.
