The Jewish Community of Florence has a new president of its “Settimio Saadun” Jewish Hospice. Giuseppe Burschtein, an entrepreneur and communications expert, as well as a former chief of staff to the president of the Tuscany Region, was elected to the position. “Caring for the elderly does not simply mean ensuring assistance and safety. It means recognizing the value of those who have built, sustained, and passed down Jewish life through the generations,” wrote Burschtein in his first message to members. “For this reason, the new board intends to ensure that the hospice is perceived as an integral and vital part of the Jewish community. We want to strengthen dialogue and collaboration with all community institutions, volunteers, families, and young people.”
Joining Burschtein on the organization’s new board are Paola Funaro, Jael Liscia, Rebecca Passigli, George Benaim, Emanuele Coen, and Felice Neppi Ventura.
Founded in 1870, the “Settimio Saadun” Jewish Hospice was established as a shelter for elderly and sick Jewish people in need. During WWII and under German occupation, it continued to function until May 24, 1944, when Nazi soldiers arrested 24 residents. Among them were 21 individuals, as well as three members of a French family: a 25-year-old mother and her children, Renée, a 2-year-old girl, and her 1-year-old brother, Sergio.
Two days after their arrest, those captured at the Florentine Hospice were transferred from Florence to the Fossoli camp (near Carpi, in the province of Modena). From there, on June 26, 1944, they were deported to the Auschwitz extermination camp. They were murdered upon arrival. One elderly woman died in the Fossoli camp before the convoy’s departure, so she never reached Poland.