Violins of Hope
Violins of Hope tells the remarkable stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Today these instruments serve not only as powerful reminders of an unimaginable experience but also reinforce key lessons of tolerance, inclusion, and diversity that are pertinent now as well as for future generations.
The Violins of Hope have been played in concert halls and exhibited in museums throughout the world. They have been featured in books, print, film and television. They have been used in lectures and educational programs and their stories and messages have impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals.
In February and March 2019, Violins of Hope traveled throughout Arizona, visiting Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, and more than 30 sites here in the greater Phoenix area.
For more information, visit the Violins of Hope Phoenix website and Facebook page
Julee Landau Shahon
Julee Landau Shahon is co-chair of Violins of Hope as well as a Vice Chair of the Jewish Federation Board and the Annual Campaign Chair, a position she has held for four years during two different terms. She also serves as an advisor to the Women’s Philanthropy Board, having previously served as Board Chair and Executive Committee member. Julee also serves on the Board of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, JFNA’s National Women’s Philanthropy Board and is a member of the Phoenix Steering Committee for Technion. A graduate of the University of Michigan and a member of Congregation Beth Tefillah, Julee lives in Scottsdale with her husband, Dr. Robert Shahon. When she is not working for the Jewish Community, Julee is a real estate agent with Realty One.
Rachel Hoffer
Rachel Hoffer, co-chair of Violins of Hope, is very active in the Jewish community locally and globally. She is the Jewish Federation NowGen board advisor and serves on the Federation’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. In addition, she is North America board chair for Youth Futures, a program of the Federation’s overseas partner, JAFI. Rachel has chaired numerous events and galas for the JCC, Pardes and Federation. She was co-chair of the capital campaign to move Pardes to the Ina Levine Jewish Community campus and co-chair for the capital campaign for Congregation Beth Tefillah’s new synagogue. In addition to her leadership roles in the community, Rachel is married to Jonathan Hoffer, mother of three girls and co-founder of Fanny and Martha, an apparel company that empowers women of all ages.
