OUR COMMITMENT TO HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

We are committed to supporting education and awareness about the Holocaust and antisemitism.

Federation, our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and our network of programs and partners are ensuring our community never forgets the atrocities of the Holocaust and stands up to all forms of hatred. We remain steadfast in our commitment to broadening Holocaust education in our community, while combatting the rise of antisemitism and bigotry:

• JCRC developed and began the rollout of a presentation called Antisemitism Today, which helps community members identify all forms of antisemitism – including Holocaust denial – and explains the definition of antisemitism. Antisemitism Today has been presented to several gated communities, clubs and organizations.
• Federation and JCRC maintain collaboration with the School District of Palm Beach County to strengthen Holocaust education at local schools. We continue to play a role to ensure the School District fulfills Florida’s Holocaust education mandate. This includes Federation observing the interview process for the school district’s Holocaust Studies Program Planner position, the creation of a Joint Task Force with the School District on this issue, and presenting Antisemitism Today to administration and district leadership.
• Federation’s partners and programs continue to educate younger generation’s understanding of the Holocaust and antisemitism. This includes children who attend Mandel JCC and Meyer Prep, teens who participate in Federation’s Jewish Teen Initiative, and college students who connect with Hillel centers on campuses in Florida and across North America. This also includes our annual programs on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
• During the pandemic, thousands of community members have taken part in virtual programs and events led by Federation and its partners, many of which focus on themes related to antisemitism, Israel and social justice. Despite our current inability to safely hold in-person events, we have continued to educate and create awareness around the issues affecting Jewish people locally and around the globe.
• Several Federation initiatives, including JCRC and the Jewish Volunteer Center, continue to build relationships with other faiths and backgrounds. We have deepened relations with the Christian, Muslim, Black, Hispanic and Asian American communities. Through these connections, we are creating opportunities to foster understanding, combat hatred and build on our commitment to shared values.

If you have any questions about Federation and JCRC’s involvement with this issue, please contact Josephine Gon at 561.242.6686 or josephine.gon@jewishpalmbeach.org.