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Unique Holocaust autograph book resurfaces in Victoria, BC…artifact to become permanent part of CMHR

Susi & Maenni Ruben circa 1960s

Special to The Jewish Post & News
An autograph book that reflects an artist’s life in the Theresienstadt ghetto and transit camp, once belonging to Holocaust survivor and Danish violinist Mænni Ruben, has reemerged in Victoria, BC.
Ruben’s unique perspective on the Holocaust is chronicled in his autograph book as the war is ending and survivors are being liberated.

His is a story not only of survival, but about enduring friendships, and the music and art that held them together under grim circumstances. With ethereal drawings from artist Hilda Zadikow, life in Theresienstadt is brought alive and forms a significant part of Ruben’s keepsake.
Besides the concerts and recitals that happened in Theresienstadt, many of the people in Ruben’s autograph book participated in the historic 1944 Red Cross concert, and a Nazi propaganda film.
Ironically, Ruben never set foot in Canada, having died in 1976 in Copenhagen, but his wife Susi did. After living in Victoria for 26 years, arriving with her second husband Dr. Avi Deston, she gave the book to Rabbi Harry Brechner of Congregation Emanu-el preceding her death in 2018.
“When the rabbi showed the book to me last year, I could see right away that it was special and should go to a museum. It is in remarkable condition for being 75 years old and is a tremendous addition to Holocaust studies,” says Project Coordinator Janna Ginsberg Bleviss. “I was fascinated by the book––who were these people and what happened to them? Reading the pages filled with optimistic greetings, illustrations, and pieces of music was like finding a hidden treasure, waiting to be opened. I wanted to discover who these people were and hear their stories.”
With the understanding that it would leave the Victoria Jewish community once gifted to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Ginsberg Bleviss decided to develop a compelling visual narrative from the book.
“Despite the horrors of being in a camp, these people survived. The emotion behind their inscribed messages speaks to friendships, and the power of music and art that held them together in these dreadful times. I knew these stories had to be told,” explains Ginsberg Bleviss.
The book depicts hope and optimism about the future, of friendships formed through the war, and at the camp. Ruben and his friends, some of whom were top-of-their-field musicians, artists, and intellectuals, survived the Holocaust, and many returned to successful careers in the performing arts. One of the musicians, 109-year-old pianist Alice Sommer Herz, became the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary, The Lady in Number 6.
“There is a huge educational value to these pieces for students learning about the Holocaust, or for researchers who want to continue exploring the stories of these most interesting people during an important time at the end of the Second World War,” says Rabbi Brechner. “We want the book to stay in Canada” and it will soon become a permanent part of the CMHR.
An introductory video of the Theresienstadt Autograph Book, the exhibit panels, and the replica book with translations and accompanying notes are available at https://terezinautographbook1945.ca
The Theresienstadt Autograph Book is sponsored in part by . Established in 2016, the project is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education.
Founded in 1863, is a progressive, Conservative, egalitarian, and inclusive synagogue, and Canada’s oldest one in continuous use.

Post script: After reading that the Autograph Book will be coming to the CMHR, I reached out to Dr. Jeremy Maron, who is Curator at the CMHR, to ask him how the CMHR plans to incorporate this precious artifact into its collection –and when it might arrive. Here is how Dr. Maron responded:

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has indeed accepted this artifact for acquisition after it was generously offered by Janna Ginsberg and her congregation in Victoria.
To clarify, we are not bringing this item in as a stand-alone exhibition. We have accepted this historical object as part of our permanent collection, which means we are committed ensuring its long-term preservation, as well as providing access in order to share this book and Ruben’s story with our visitors. With this in mind, this book will likely be on display in the future in our Examining the Holocaust gallery, but we do not have dates in mind yet.
The book will require some conservation work in order to ensure its long-term preservation and viability, and its delicate condition will also inform how often (and how long) the item will be on display. So in short, the object will be part of the museum’s permanent collection, and will be on display at times. But we do not yet have display dates planned for it yet. Once it does go on display, it would just be for specific periods, not permanently, which will protect it from continuous light exposure and ensure its ongoing preservation.
Undoubtedly, this artifact marks a valuable and unique addition to the permanent collection of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The written entries offer direct, first-hand insights from people as they were living their day-to-day lives in Terezin. The musical entries in particular speak to the persistence of artistic and cultural expression that people strived to retain during a gross violation of human rights (and the importance that music played in the life of Ruben himself). It also conveys the cultural vibrancy that existed within Terezin, which affords consideration of how the Nazis used Terezin for propaganda purposes to deflect attention from atrocities that they were committing elsewhere (and within, beneath the guise prepared for international visitors).

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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says

Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.

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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion

Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.

Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos

Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.

In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.

Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.

After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.

Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos

Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.

  • Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
  • Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
  • Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
  • Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
  • Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
  • Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.

Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.

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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid

Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.

Ignoring Terms & Conditions

One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.

Not Researching Casinos

Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.

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Chasing Losses

One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.

Not Understanding Games

It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.

Weak Passwords

Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.

These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.

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