Kristallnacht Commemorations in the United States, November 2025Kristallnacht, known as the “Night of Broken Glass,” occurred on November 9-10, 1938, marking a pivotal escalation in Nazi violence against Jews with widespread pogroms across Germany and Austria. In 2025, communities across the US are holding events to honor survivors, victims, and the enduring lessons against antisemitism. Below is a curated list of confirmed in-person and virtual commemorations, drawn from recent announcements. Events are primarily on or around November 9-10. For the most up-to-date details, check the linked sources or contact organizers, as some may require registration.
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Location
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Date & Time
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Event Details
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Link/Source
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Miami, FL
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November 9, 2025 Evening (exact time TBD)
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Community-wide commemoration at Temple Beth Sholom, hosted by Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Features survivor testimony, candle lighting, and reflections on resilience. Free; ridesharing encouraged due to limited parking.
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Maitland, FL (near Orlando)
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November 9, 2025 3:00–4:00 PM
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Holocaust Center of Florida’s program observing the November Pogrom, with speakers on the intensification of terror in the Third Reich. Part of a broader commemoration series promoting tolerance and justice. Free registration required.
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St. Petersburg, FL
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November 9-10, 2025 Evening events
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Florida Holocaust Museum’s annual commemoration focusing on the shards of broken glass symbolizing shattered lives. Includes educational talks and remembrance activities. Details forthcoming; free admission.
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Keene, NH
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November 6, 2025 6:00–7:30 PM
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“Who Will Remain” remembrance at Keene State College, hosted by the Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies with partners Congregation Ahavas Achim and Monadnock Interfaith Project. Features music, storytelling, and interfaith dialogue. No bags policy for security; free but RSVP recommended.
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Los Angeles, CA
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November 9, 2025 2:00 PM
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Museum of Tolerance screening of Shattered Dreams followed by a conversation with Kristallnacht survivor Paul Schwarzbart. Explores personal stories of survival. Free with RSVP.
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Los Angeles, CA
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November 9, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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Annual event at Loyola Marymount University, hosted by Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and Jewish Studies Program. Honors victims through visual culture, personal accounts, and discussions on emigration challenges. Free and open to the public.
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Cincinnati, OH
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November 10, 2025 5:30 PM
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Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center’s candle-lighting ceremony at Union Terminal, followed by a discussion on Holding Hope: Stories of Survival During the Holocaust. Features local survivor stories. Free; reservations encouraged.
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Chicago, IL
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November 10, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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“Memory and Warning” at a venue TBD (via Choose Chicago), featuring historian Timothy Snyder on tyranny and freedom, remarks from German and Israeli consuls, candle lighting with survivors, and memorial prayers. Free with reservations.
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Glen Cove, NY
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November 9, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County’s candlelit service honoring survivors and victims. Brief program reflecting on lives changed by the 1938 events. Free; map available on site.
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Virtual (Nationwide)
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November 9, 2025 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
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Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) event with survivor Fred Zeilberger sharing his story from age 8 in Germany. Focuses on combating antisemitism. Free registration required.
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Virtual (Nationwide)
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November 9, 2025 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT
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“Crossing Over the Broken Glass” hosted by Ten From the Nations and Israel365. International panel of rabbis, pastors, professors, and journalists on antisemitism history and healing. Free registration.
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Virtual (Yad Vashem USA, Nationwide)
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November 9, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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“Spread the Light” initiative encouraging overnight candle lighting or lights-on to symbolize Jewish spirit’s triumph. Includes virtual program on remembrance and unity amid rising antisemitism. Tickets available.
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Baltimore, MD
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November 6, 2025 7:00 PM ET
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Baltimore Jewish Council’s remembrance at Beth El Congregation, streamed live. Moderated discussion on Kristallnacht’s legacy. Free; streaming link available.
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Greensburg, PA
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November 10, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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Seton Hill University’s interfaith service with speaker Shawn Brokos on rising antisemitism and hope through kindness. Focuses on regional incidents since 2020. Free and open.
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Orange, CT
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November 9-10, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s event at Congregation Or Shalom, honoring Varian Fry’s legacy with a state citation and talk by Prof. David Pettigrew. Free; photography policy in place.
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Manitowoc, WI
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November 9, 2025 Evening (TBD)
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Remembrance at a local church exploring Kristallnacht’s lessons for today’s world. Community-focused dialogue on history and current relevance. Free.
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Somerville, NJ
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November 12, 2025 10:00–11:30 AM ET
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Raritan Valley Community College’s Institute of Holocaust & Genocide Studies online screening of Shoah Ambassadors documentary. Free and open to the public.
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These events often include candle-lighting ceremonies, survivor testimonies, interfaith elements, and discussions on contemporary antisemitism. Many are free, but RSVPs help with planning. If you’re near a major city without a listed event, local synagogues, Holocaust museums, or Jewish federations (e.g., via Reform Judaism resources) may host additional programs. For broader Holocaust education, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers online explainers.
