Europe, 1940–1945
This violin was handcrafted by a prisoner of war during the long, grueling years of World War II, between June 26, 1940, and May 9, 1945. Built under harsh conditions, with limited tools and improvised materials, it stands as a powerful testament to the human need for expression—even in captivity.
For the unknown prisoner who made it, this violin was more than an instrument; it was an act of resistance and a means of survival. In a world stripped of freedom, music became a lifeline—a fragile reminder of humanity, beauty, and the world beyond the barbed wire.
While the maker’s name and exact story have been lost, the instrument itself carries the marks of its extraordinary origin. Every curve and imperfection tells of patience, creativity, and courage in the face of despair.
Within the Violins of Hope collection, the POW Violin represents not only Jewish musicians, but all who used music as a way to endure war and oppression. Its silence today is filled with meaning—a reminder that even when freedom and dignity were taken away, the will to create and to hope could not be broken.
