In a rare and historic event, Chabad will host an unprecedented tribute honoring Cornelia Shonkwiler, daughter of Major Ernst Bloch — the German officer who played a decisive role in the rescue of the Frierdiker Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, from Nazi-occupied Europe during the Holocaust.
The event, taking place in the newly acquired Chabad House in Richmond, California, will mark the first public recognition of the rescuer by Chabad, the first event in the new Chabad House, and will occur on Erev Yud Shvat — the yahrzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe — bringing together history, place, and time in a moment of singular significance.
The event will take place on Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 PM (5 pm EST), at Chabad of Richmond, located at 2600 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, California, and will mark the first official event ever held in the newly acquired Chabad House of Rabbi Yitzchak Wagner, shliach to Richmond.
Dozens of local community members, politicians, leaders, and Shluchim will participate in this special event.
This tribute represents something that has never been done before: formal recognition by the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement of the German rescuer himself — Major Ernst Bloch — through honoring his daughter, Cornelia Shonkwiler, in a public and official capacity.
The recognition will be presented by Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of California, on behalf of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.
In a deeply moving personal moment, Cornelia Shonkwiler will share her own remarks in response to the tribute presentation, offering reflections on her father and the historic significance of this recognition.
Greetings will be delivered by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Chabad International.
A historical presentation will be given by Rabbi Eliezer Zaklikovsky, Chabad historian and author of “Out of the inferno” telling the rescue story through historic documents.
The event takes place on Erev Yud Shvat, the yahrzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn).
This gathering stands as a tribute and a powerful statement of hakaras hatov — enduring gratitude — to those who acted with courage and moral clarity during humanity’s darkest chapter.
The event will be streamed live on COLlive.com for the global Chabad community.
Was Ernst Bloch acting out of his own personal conviction, or was he following direct orders from the head of government, who was seeking to maintain good relations with the United States at the time? If it was the latter, it seems strange to honor a Nazi official.
Yeah — and definitely to mention his rank in the Nazi army…
He was fallowing orders from his superior officers
Og Melech haBashan is lauded inTorah for doing a good deed,albeit with an ulterior motive.I suggest that as a reliable source for favorable mention of Ernest Bloch. Especially in view of fact that strenuous efforts were taken to locate the residence of the Rebbe. Don’t be smarter than Torah.
Elchanan Geisinsky
Hashem told Moshe Rabenu to kill Og melech habashan and Moshe Rebenu did. Hashem did not tell him to honor his children…