UPDATE: Dr. Breann Fallon has been appointed as the new CEO of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, stepping into her role at a critical moment as antisemitic incidents in Australia surge to alarming levels. This urgent development highlights the pressing need for effective Holocaust education and community outreach.
Dr. Fallon’s journey to this leadership position is profoundly personal. Her grandparents, who survived horrific experiences during World War II—including forced labor in Poland and imprisonment in the notorious Mauthausen camp—did not share their stories until decades later. Her discovery of their past came while she dedicated her life to Holocaust education, emphasizing the importance of understanding history in confronting modern hatred.
“History doesn’t repeat, it rhymes,” Dr. Fallon stated, reminding us of the critical lessons embedded in the experiences of Holocaust survivors. Her vision for the museum is expansive: “I want people to think of this museum as a place to learn how to be a good human.”
Today, the museum aims to serve as a vital resource for all Australians, focusing on empathy, humanity, and skills for recognizing and combating hatred. Dr. Fallon envisions the museum becoming as renowned as Yad Vashem or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, positioning it on the international stage while remaining deeply rooted in community service.
This appointment comes amid a troubling rise in antisemitism. Authorities report that incidents have reached unprecedented levels in recent years, making Dr. Fallon’s mission even more urgent. The Melbourne Holocaust Museum is now recognized not only for its historical significance but also for its role in fostering resilience and understanding in today’s society.
In her new role, Dr. Fallon emphasizes the importance of personal connection, stating, “We retain that humanity, and when empathy is going offline in the current world, that humanity is more important than ever.” The museum’s educational initiatives will extend beyond school visits, aiming to create lifelong learners committed to combating prejudice.
Dr. Fallon’s leadership represents a bridge between the past and present, as she navigates the transition from survivor stories to educational outreach. “I often think that she sort of was kind of guiding me in this direction,” Dr. Fallon reflects on her grandmother, illustrating the deep personal connection that drives her mission.
As the museum faces the challenge of preserving Holocaust memory amid increasing denial and misuse, Dr. Fallon’s approach offers a vital commitment to ensuring that these lessons reach those who most need to hear them. The Melbourne Holocaust Museum stands poised to play a pivotal role in not just remembering the past, but in shaping a more empathetic future.
This urgent update in leadership is a call to action for all Australians to engage with the Holocaust’s lessons and to recognize the ongoing relevance in combating contemporary hatred. The museum’s work has never been more critical, and Dr. Fallon is ready to lead the charge.
