Happy Holidays!
This has truly been a transformative year for the Holocaust Education Resource Council! We have grown our office and now have three staff members. This wonderful support increases our ability to plan larger community programs, more community events, and special exhibits. The existing building and exhibits were also updated, providing guests the opportunity for a deeper dive into the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The updated space will include additional exhibits and new interactive displays. This year we welcomed a new Education Coordinator, Danielle Ponzio, and Program Assistant, Margaret Moore.
The stories of Holocaust survivors must be told as they are passing on. We were very fortunate to schedule an interview by WFSU Margie Menzel with Jack Saltiel. He is a long time Chemistry Professor at FSU and survived in Greece at young age. Hear his experience as he was recorded in September. “Take as much as possible of the family and get out of there”
Listen Here or Read the Article
The history of the Holocaust has shown us that there are pivotal moments when a person can make a difference in the lives of others. Countless Survivors credit their survival to Upstanders, who risked their own lives by recognizing our common humanity and acting decisively.
We are also looking forward to bringing you a series of exciting new film and speaker programs this coming season. Next month, we have three special programs:
• “Movies that Matter: Denial” on Thursday, January 18th, sheds light on an American professor of Holocaust studies whose speaking engagement is disrupted by David Irving, a British writer on Nazi Germany. He files a libel lawsuit in the United Kingdom against Lipstadt and her publisher for declaring him a Holocaust denier in her books. As the burden of proof in UK libel cases lies with the defendant, Lipstadt and her legal team must prove that Irving lied about the Holocaust. The speakers after the film are two former Holocaust educators, Linda Davey and Monte Finkelstein. The first 50 attendees will get a free copy of “History on Trial” book.
• Thursday, January 25th we will host Dr. Natalia Aleksiun, Holocaust studies Professor, at Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies at University of Florida. She will present on Jewish Doctors during the Holocaust. The program will be held at Temple Israel starting a 6:30pm. Reservations will be required to attend.
• On Wednesday, January 10th and 17th, we will start the second Micro-Credential Program for educators. This program will cover pedagogy and methods for teaching about the Holocaust as well as historical content and context; from the rise of Nazism to the Wannsee Conference and the “Final Solution”, through the aftermath of WWII and the Holocaust.
According to a recent poll, One-fifth of young Americans believe Holocaust is a myth. Published in Jerusalem Post article:
Your Legacy Matters. You’ve accomplished incredible things in your lifetime. Leave a legacy that reflects the caring person you are today. Planned Giving & Endowments assistance will be available when you contact HERC.
Continuing to educate as many people as possible about the timeless lessons the Holocaust teaches us is important to all. As we wrap up 2023, we are feeling especially grateful for your support in helping us fulfill our mission of teaching the history of the Holocaust and advancing human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. Recent events have proven that education is more important than ever.
Thank you for your continued support!