On Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 2 p.m., the Monticello Opera House will present a benefit performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” The event is co-sponsored by HERC which also features the exhibit, “A History for Today” from the Anne Frank Center at University of South Carolina. Reservations are required. The event will feature a 34-banner traveling exhibit in the downstairs Perkins Performance Hall entitled “Let Me Be Myself” The Life Story of Anne Frank. It shows the story of Anne Frank and contains statements of young people who had experiences with exclusion and discrimination, and serves as an inspiration to think about the consequences of Anne Frank’s story for today’s society.
After the play, there will be a panel discussion with a Holocaust education specialist and children of Holocaust survivors who will answer questions from the audience.
HERC, based at Tallahassee Community College, provides training about the lessons of the Holocaust to teachers all across North Florida. We communicate our educational initiatives through outreach events, community partnerships and public programs throughout the region.
HERC continues to support the building of a Holocaust Memorial at the Florida Capitol in memory of survivors who have made Florida their home. If you know of a survivor who should be acknowledged, please contact us to add their names to the wall of names. As a state memorial to the survivors of the Holocaust, this monument will ensure the permanence of Holocaust memory, understanding, and relevance and a way to inspire leaders and individuals to confront hatred, prevent genocide and promote human dignity.
We strongly value partnering with other organizations. The co-sponsorship of WFSU and the Challenger Center was a joint effort, increasing awareness of the March 9th screening of “Eva: A7063.” HERC is planning additional 2023 programs to connect and increase Holocaust awareness.
As the eyewitness generation leaves us, we must never simply accept that the Holocaust was a tragic time in modern history that will never be repeated. Its lessons must be learned and applied to our lives and societies today. The Holocaust is not ancient history, it is barbarism that needs to be brought to our consciousness.
During this time of increasing antisemitism, Holocaust distortion and denial, HERC’s priority will be to raise more funds to support the mission of Holocaust education. Remembering the past and fighting antisemitism are critical and demonstrate our commitment to preserving this history and its lessons. HERC believes the lessons of the Holocaust, the threat of unchecked antisemitism and hate, the dangers of extremism and the fragility of societies, have relevance for all Americans. We are dedicated to building hope and stopping hate.
Don’t forget to reserve your seats to the Special Matinee Fundraiser for HERC on April 23rd, 2023, at the 2:00 PM performance of the “The Diary of Anne Frank” at MonitcelloOperaHouse.org.