Unveiling of the Memorial Plaque

On September 18, 2025, the Pinkas Synagogue in Prague hosted the ceremonial unveiling of the renewed memorial plaque dedicated to the Righteous Among the Nations.

Celým programem provázela Petra Schwarz Koutská. Mezi řečníky vystoupila ředitelka Židovského muzea v Praze Pavla Niklová, Ladislav Katuščák, který nese jméno po zachránci, a Alena Drmolová, zastupující rodinu spravedlivých.

O památníku promluvili také jeho autoři Lucie a Jaroslav Róna. Závěrečné poděkování pronesl František Bányai jménem Veřejně prospěšného spolku na podporu osob dotčených holocaustem.

Musical accompaniment was provided by baritone Václav Dlask, soprano Veronika Kaiserová, and bass David Malát. They performed songs from Slavdom in Its Songs by Ludvík Kuba: the Czech folk song Široký hluboký from the Kouřim region, the Moravian song Už sa ty horečky zelenajú from Vizovice, and the Slovak song Láska, bože, láska! (“Love, oh God, Love!”).

The ceremony was an expression of deep respect for those who, in times of persecution, did not hesitate to risk their own lives to save others. The organizers thanked all donors who supported the renewal of the memorial.

“I believe that most participants felt the uniqueness of the event, the strength of emotions, and how important the inclusion of the Righteous’ names was for the family. I was truly glad that, thanks to the donors, the addition of the names to the memorial could be realized – for the descendants of both the Righteous and the rescued, it was profoundly meaningful. I thank everyone who supported the project and came to the unveiling.”

Fero Bányai

“When a representative of the Gerstein family, rescued by the Righteous Among the Nations, approached us with the request to add the names of their rescuers to the memorial at the Pinkas Synagogue, it was clear that such a request could not be denied. Thanks above all to Fero Bányai, but also to many other dedicated people, this has now been achieved. The story shared with us at the unveiling by Mrs. Alena Drmolová, a descendant of the rescuers’ family, was more than an inspiration – it was a true reward for the effort invested.”

Michal Borges