Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Appears in Yorktown

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:08:44 GMT

Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration Featuring Holocaust Survivor Speaker Draws Large Crowd to Garden of Remembrance in White Plains

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:36:36 GMT

Over 400 attend annual commemoration ceremonies

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) Annual Countywide Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration was held on April 14th. at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, N.Y. An estimated 400 people including over 40 Westchester County elected officials turned out to hear an inspirational speech by keynote speaker by Holocaust Survivor Joseph Gosler.

The event began with the Opening of the Gates by Hillels of Westchester and the Sounding of the Shofar by HHREC and WJC Board Member Mitchell Ostrove, and was followed by the Procession of 34 Rescued Torahs led by Rabbi Leora Frankel, President Westchester Board of Rabbis and Rabbi, Larchmont Temple.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Daniel Weinreb, Chairperson HHREC, and the Invocation was offered by Reverend Dr. Kelly Hough Rogers, Scarsdale Congregational Church UCC. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins welcomed all attendees, and concluded his remarks with “Never Again, and Not on our Watch.” Jenkins was followed by the keynote speaker.

Keynote Speaker Saved by Dutch Resistance

Gosler told his story of being born in the Netherlands in 1942 and as a seven-month-old child was given to the Dutch resistance to a family who helped raise him as one of their own, while his birth parents were caught by the Nazis and was severely beaten. He then shared that, when WWII ended and he was reunited with his parents, they were total strangers and that later, in 1949, he and his family immigrated to Israel before they arrived in the U.S. in 1953.

Following Gosler, the Holocaust Kaddish was offered by Rabbi Leora Frankel and Rabbi Adam Baldachin, Shaarei Tikvah, and the Music Selection was led by Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman, Temple Beth Abraham. The Mayor of White Plains Justin Brasch then shared comments about the importance of this annual event, and the program closed with remarks by Michael Mittelman, Westchester Jewish Council Board President.

2026 Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:26:43 GMT

Event to Feature Holocaust Survivor as Keynote Speaker

Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration to Feature Holocaust Survivor

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) will host the annual Countywide Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration on Tuesday, April 14th from 12 to 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, New York. The program will feature a keynote presentation by HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Joseph Gosler and a procession of Westchester's rescued Holocaust Torahs.

Keynote Speaker Saved by Dutch Resistance

Joseph Gosler was born in the Netherlands in July 1942. At seven months old, he was given to the Dutch resistance (the underground movement against the German occupation of the Netherlands during WWII), and placed with the Dijkstra family. Though danger lurked everywhere, he was lucky; his birth parents (Henriette and Maurice) were not as fortunate. They were caught and severely beaten. His mother, who had ivory white skin and blue eyes, was told that she would be killed if found with a Jew again. His father was taken to a transit camp called Westerbork, in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, about 19 miles from the German border. WWII ended, and both parents were reunited with their son. However, to Joseph, they were total strangers. He was angry, disoriented, and wanted to return to his wartime family. In 1949, with the addition of his sister, Marja, the family immigrated to Israel, and subsequently to the USA in 1953.

Gosler is the author of Searching for Home: The Impact of WWII on a Hidden Child. He earned a BA in History, and an MBA in Corporate Finance, and worked for 40 years as a finance director in various schools. He and his wife (Sheila) founded a pre-school called Beginnings Nursery, have one son, and live in New York City.

This event will be held rain or shine, and admission is free and open to all. For more information contact Millie Jasper at HHREC mjasper@hhrency.org or Pam Goldstein at WJC pam@wjcouncil.org .

Mahopac Students Mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with Powerful Learning Experiences

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:21:30 GMT

Article about HHREC High School Institute and appearances at school featuring GenerationsForward SpeakerJoan Poulin and Holocaust Survivor Speaker Dr. Aliza Levy-Erber.

Read full article here .

Holocaust Survivors Join HHREC Speakers Bureau

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:42:14 GMT

Press Release Contact: Millie Jasper , Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738

Holocaust Survivors Join HHREC Speakers Bureau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced Stephen Felton and Joseph Gosler have joined their Holocaust Survivors Speakers Bureau.

Stephen Felton was born in the Warsaw Ghetto in June, 1942. He and his mother, Eva, were the only survivors of a large family. Shortly before the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in April, 1943, Stephen and his mother were smuggled out; his father, Victor, and brother, Stasio, were sent to the concentration camp, Auschwitz, and then killed. Stephen and his mother found refuge with a Polish Catholic family until the end of the war. Eva remarried another survivor in Paris in 1946. The three of them immigrated to the United States in 1947. Stephen earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry and M.D. degree, and became a practicing Ophthalmologist in Princeton, N.J. He published his mother’s memoirs entitled: I Shall Lead You Through the Nights. Stephen and his mother had the Polish family who rescued them, recognized and honored as “Righteous Among the Nations” at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem.

Photo Credit: Sheila Wolper

Joseph is the author of Searching for Home: The Impact of WWII on a Hidden Child. He earned a BA in History, and an MBA in Corporate Finance, and worked for 40 years as a finance director in various schools. He and his wife (Sheila) founded a pre-school called Beginnings Nursery, have one son, and live in New York City.

“We are very humbled and honored to have such distinguished Holocaust Survivors join our Speakers Bureau, as they are first-hand witnesses to history,“ said Daniel Weinreb, Chairperson, Board of Directors, HHREC. “We look forward to having Stephen and Joseph share their powerful and unique experiences with students and other people in our communities, as their stories will surely resonate, now more than ever.”

For more information about Stephen Felton, Joseph Gosler, and other HHREC Speakers, visit HHRECNY.org

HHREC Director of Education Honored by NYS Board of Regents

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:30:11 GMT

The New York State Board of Regents recently presented the 2025-26 Yavner Citizen Award to HHREC Director of Education, Steve Goldberg. This annual award recognizes a teacher and a citizen who have made outstanding contributions to New York State education about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights. The awards were established by the NYS Regents and funded by the late Regent Emeritus Louis E. Yavner. https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/louis-e-yavner-teaching-and-citizen-awards

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Featured in Story About School District Response to Hate Incident

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:25:09 GMT

https://news.halstonmedia.com/somers-record/stories/somers-central-school-district-hate-graffiti-education-initiative,69799

Middle School Students Learn About the Holocaust

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:21:01 GMT

Seventh-grade students at the Henry Wells Middle School in Brewster have been studying the Holocaust and recently attended the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights sponsored by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center in Westchester. Teenagers from more than 35 schools were in attendance at the symposium. https://www.pcnr.com/articles/middle-school-students-learn-about-the-holocaust/

Remembering the Holocaust: The Power of Family Stories -Story in Patch Features HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Ruben Wind

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:14:29 GMT

https://patch.com/connecticut/ridgefield/calendar/event/20260215/644a4236-a50c-4cc7-b9a5-8675a0369ded/remembering-the-holocaust-the-power-of-family-stories

HHREC Susan J. Goldberg Award Announcement River Journal Article

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:10:36 GMT

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Announces Appointment of Joan Poulin to Board of Directors

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:28:02 GMT

The Holoc aust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced the appointment of Joan Poulin to its Board of Directors.

Joan Poulin is the daughter of Holocaust Survivors. As an HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker she has presented the story of how her father left Hamburg, Germany for New York in 1938, leaving his mother and brother behind. After discovering 175 letters her father kept by his bed until the day he died, she developed her presentation to tell his story and the plight of those left behind. She also shares how her experience as a child of Holocaust survivors has impacted her life and the lives of her children.

As an author she has shared her story as part of a group of local second-generation Holocaust survivors who have written and published Testaments of Courage in the Holocaust, a book documenting their families’ experiences during World War II. The book is a compilation of true stories that describes the courage and resilience of their family members who escaped the Nazis’ final solution.

Joan also facilitates the HHREC MemoryKeeper Family History Group, a resource created by HHREC to help develop and present a family’s Holocaust story. This program assists second and third generation Holocaust survivors through weekly training sessions at the HHREC library in White Plains. Joan resides in Somers, New York.

“Once my father’s letters were translated, everything changed for me” said Poulin. “ I knew I needed to do something with them—but what? The answer came in 2017, when I met Millie Jasper and shared my dilemma. She helped me see that what I needed was to put the story together and become a speaker. Suddenly, the pieces fit. Since then, I have devoted increasing time and energy to HHREC. I look forward to expanding my role and continuing my effort to support this wonderful organization .”

“Joan has been an important contributor and participant in HHREC’s mission and work for many years – and we are delighted that she has chosen to join the Board of Directors.” said Daniel Weinreb, HHREC Board of Directors Chairperson. “We know that Joan will continue to provide her important insights and contributions through her expanded role with HHREC.”

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. Their mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.

HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. Their programs enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues and also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org .

HHREC Program Featured on News12

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:23:16 GMT

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Lisa Salko will present 13 Drivers’ Licenses story following revelation a swastika was found drawn on a classroom desk at Somers High School. http://a swastika was found drawn on a classroom desk at Somers High School.

HHREC Announces Grant Program to Support Teaching About the Holocaust, Human Rights and Racism

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:11:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has announced a new resource for teachers to assist them in teaching about the Holocaust and related topics including human rights, antisemitism, discrimination, racism, and genocide.

A group of people posing for a photo AI-generated content may be incorrect. The Kaidanow Family Mini-grants for Teachers program is made possible through the support of the Loewentheil family in honor of Joseph and Ellen Kaidanow, and Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow. Joseph is the son of Holocaust Survivors, Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow, and his wife Ellen is a member of the HHREC Generations Forward Speakers Bureau. The goal for this program is to enrich student learning experiences, subsidize special programs, and help to meet instructional needs for schools not otherwise supported by their budgets. Grants will be awarded to teachers working in public, private, and parochial schools in the Lower Hudson Valley.

For more information and to apply, contact Steven Goldberg sgoldberg@hhrecny.org , call HHREC at (914) 696-0738 or visit hhrecny.org .

Applications will be reviewed by the HHREC Educators Program Committee and HHREC Director of Education, Steven Goldberg. Grant applicants will be required to submit a one-page summary statement and an evaluation at the completion of their projects from materials suitable for replication submitted to HHREC. Grant applications will be open on December 15 ^th and the deadlines for submission of proposals and notification of awards will be made on a rolling basis. Notifications of reviewed applications will be responded to within one month of their receipt.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Event Honors Holocaust Survivors and Family, Features Keynote Speech by World Renowned Jewish Leader and Author

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:54:00 GMT

Press Release

Contact: Millie Jasper , Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their Annual Benefit on Thursday evening, October 30 ^th at Harrison Meadows Country Club in Harrison, New York. HHREC honored Holocaust Survivors Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow, their son Joseph and his wife Ellen Kaidanow. An estimated 300 people attended the annual fundraiser including Holocaust Survivors, local government officials and teachers.

The program featured a keynote speech by David Harris. Executive Vice Chair, Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, who previously served as CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and is the son of Holocaust survivors. Harris is recognized as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of his time, and is the author of Antisemitism: What Everyone Needs to Know .

The program opened with remarks from HHREC Board Chair Daniel Weinreb, who recognized the record turnout for the event, and he was followed by Executive Director Millie Jasper, who announced a $100,000 appropriation from New York State to support the Center’s educational mission. Jasper also recognized public officials and community leaders in attendance, including members of the New York State Assembly and Westchester County Legislature who have supported the organization’s programs and initiatives. In her address, Jasper said, “The legacy of Holocaust education depends on each of us: on the stories we preserve, the lessons we share, and the future we build together.”

Harris’s keynote focused on “The Failure of Imagination” and “The Fragility of Democracy,” and he warned that the inability to envision danger or empathize with others is “one of humanity’s greatest perils.” He said, “Evil thrives when imagination fails — when we can’t envision the suffering of others until it’s too late, ”and appealed for people to be vigilant “ against the rise of antisemitism and historical amnesia in today’s world.”

The Kaidanow family was presented with the HHREC Eugene M. & Emily Grant Spirit of Humanity Award by Weinreb. Ellen Kaidanow, a member of HHREC’s Generation sForward Speakers Bureau spoke about her experience presenting her mother-in-law’s Holocaust story with students in the Westchester County area. “We’re helping young people open their minds before prejudice can take root,” she said. “I challenge them to be ambassadors of kindness — to be influencers of compassion.”

Joseph Kaidanow, a past HHREC Board Chair, followed with comments on how fear and resilience have shaped his parents’ survival story, and said: “The fear that saved my parents’ lives was born of hatred that was itself driven by fear”, and “The lesson is not that fear should be ignored — but that it must be overcome.” He concluded by paying tribute to his wife. “Ellen chose this work — not because she was born into it, but because she believed in it, and her optimism is infectious.”

Attendees received copies of Harris’ book.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. HHREC has earned a 92% rating by Charity Navigator. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

HHREC Board Chairperson Daniel Weinreb presenting Sprit of Humanity award to Jerry Kaidanow

David Harris

The Kaidanow family presented with proclamations. From L to R Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr, Ellen Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Jerry Kaidanow, Joseph Kaidanow, Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speakers Inge Auerbacher (L) and Sonja Geismar

(L to R) Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein, Westchester County Assemblymember Amy Paulin, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, Westchester County Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Ossining Mayor Rika Levin

Jerry Kaidanow waves to crowd and Ellen Kaidanow greets family members following presentation of HHREC Spirit of Humanity Award as Joseph and Ellen Kaidanow look on.

(L to R) Mamaroneck High School Teacher Susan Chester, HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg, Denzel Washington School for the Arts Teacher Daniel Wolfe

From left- HHREC Speakers Bureau Liaison Bette Sparago with HHREC Holocaust Speaker Sonja Geismar

Pictured (L to R) Daniel Weinreb, Millie Jasper, Jerry Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Joseph Kaidanow, David Harris

Pictured from L to R: NYS Board of Regents Member Frances Wills, HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg, HHREC Coordinator of Student Programming Jeanne Claire Cotnoir

New York State Education Department Releases Online Platform: Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:20:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2025

For More Information Contact:

JP O’Hare

(518) 474-1201

Press@nysed.gov(link sends e-mail)

www.nysed.gov

State Education Department Releases Online Platform: Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides

The New York State Education Department has developed an online resource platform for educators: Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides , dedicated to supporting instruction and engaging students on complex historical topics. The resource guide is a collection of primary resources, case studies, and learning activities, as well as supplemental materials and pacing guides, created in partnership with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center(link is external) and the New York State Archives Partnership Trust . It was organized for ease of use by educators and designed to be in alignment with the Social Studies Framework and Learning Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies .

Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said , “It is imperative that educators and students have access to a wide range of primary sources that offer perspective and drive conversation when studying these tragic, global atrocities. Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides is a compelling collection of historically grounded materials, curated to support educators as they promote critical thinking, empathy, and civil discourse. Ultimately, this resource encourages productive dialogue, helping prepare students for engagement on difficult topics both in and out of the classroom.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said , “Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides is an invaluable resource that will support educators in their teaching of the most difficult chapters in human history. Its value lies not only in the rich content it provides, but also in the meaningful connections it makes to human rights, social-emotional learning, and responsible citizenship. This online guide will serve as a foundation for formative lessons, helping students explore themes of courage, resilience, and moral conviction through the lived experiences of Holocaust and genocide victims, their families, and communities.”

Highlights of the online resource platform include:

Teacher Flexibility: A range of resources are provided for teachers to choose from that best fit their courses and programs, and meet the needs of diverse students.
Teaching Considerations to Support Students: Additional support is provided to teachers engaging in classroom lessons on this topic, including social-emotional considerations, considerations for ENL students, and considerations for students with disabilities.
Suggested Pacing Guides: Supplemental materials provide educators with pacing guides that break the material down into lessons that can be completed in three, four, or five class periods.
Inclusion of Other Genocides: A module is dedicated to support students in studying other genocides, including learning activities, case studies, and readings.
Additional Resources: Additional resources include literature guides, an annotated bibliography and videography, key terms/key people pages, information on a range of camps and ghettos, and a Teacher’s Guide on Selecting Holocaust Fiction to Avoid Misinformation.

Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides was created to provide students with the opportunity to examine these events through multiple perspectives, and to engage in reflective and future-focused thinking through historically accurate content. It was also compiled to build in connections to NYSED’s Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework and Social-Emotional (SEL) Learning Benchmarks .

The platform was presented to the Board of Regent s at the September 2025 meeting after thorough review and vetting through NYSED, BOCES, and local experts, and is being disseminated through multiple channels across the state. The materials available through the platform support §801 of NYS Education Law, which requires school districts to provide courses of instruction that include topics of citizenship and human rights issues, with a focus on the study of the inhumanity of genocide and the Holocaust. Anyone interested in learning more about the resource guide can visit the Teaching the Holocaust and Other Genocides website.

About the State Archives Partnership Trust

The  Archives Partnership Trust , a 501(c)3 organization, works to advance New York State History by making the voices within over 350 years of records accessible, relevant, and heard. Education, preservation, and outreach programs unite scholars, students, and the interested public in the discovery, interpretation, and promotion of our shared history. Programs created and supported by the Trust include: ConsidertheSourceNY.org ;  Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program ;  Student Research Awards ; countless preservation projects to help stabilize and rehabilitate fragile records; and outreach programs such as  New York Archives Magazine , the  Empire State Archives and History Award , and other public education programs.  Subscribe to our newsletter  to receive timely updates.

New York State Board of Regents

The State Education Department / The University of the State of New York / Albany, NY 12234

Office of Communications / (518) 474-1201

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center to Honor Holocaust Survivors and Family

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:31:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will hold their Annual Benefit on Thursday evening, October 30th starting at 6:30pm at Harrison Meadows Country Club in Harrison, New York. HHREC will honor Holocaust Survivors Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow, their son Joseph and his wife Ellen Kaidanow, and feature keynote speaker David Harris.

Jerry Kaidanow was born in 1933 in Krivitchi, Poland (now Belarus). In April 1942, his parents, Eliahu and Sarah, were murdered by the Nazis. Together with his older brother, Howard, he fled to their aunt’s family and survived by hiding in the Naroch Forest for two years until liberation. After immigrating to the United States in 1947, he attended Roosevelt High School. In 1952, he married Ellen, also a Holocaust survivor. Jerry later served in the U.S. Army and built a successful career, first owning bakeries and Carvel Ice Cream franchises, and ultimately becoming an accomplished commercial realtor.

Ellen Kaidanow was born Shifra Leviatin in Dubno, Poland (now Ukraine), in 1936. In 1942, her immediate family and many relatives were killed during the liquidation of the Dubno Ghetto. She survived thanks to the extraordinary courage of her family’s housekeeper and nanny, Lena Dudzinsky, who rescued her, hid her, and ultimately presented her as her own illegitimate daughter. After the war, Ellen immigrated to the United States, attended Taft High School, and eventually met her husband, Jerry.

Joseph Kaidanow is an attorney, entrepreneur, investor, and senior operating officer in a variety of businesses. He is a Principal of Arkaid LLC, which invests in, manages, and provides consulting services for commercial and residential real estate. For the past 16 years, he has served on the HHREC Board of Directors, including three years as Chairperson. Joseph and his family have been active members of the Jewish Community Center of Harrison for three decades, where he has contributed to the Yom HaShoah Committee for 18 years and also participated in Afghan Relocation initiatives.

Ellen Kaidanow has been a member of HHREC’s 2nd & 3 ^rd Generation Speakers Bureau since 2017. She shares the miraculous Holocaust survival story of her mother-in-law—also named Ellen Kaidanow—highlighting the lessons it offers to students and audiences throughout the Tri-State Area. She also facilitates a workshop called Safekeeping Stories, helping others write and preserve their family Holocaust narratives or other meaningful family stories. Ellen previously worked in commercial real estate and executive recruiting before devoting herself to community organizing and volunteer work in her children’s schools. For the past 20 years, she has also volunteered with her synagogue, JCCA’s Pleasantville Cottage School, and UJA.

David Harris , Executive Vice Chair, Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, served asCEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) from 1990 to 2022. The son of Holocaust survivors, he is recognized as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of his time. Dubbed “the foreign minister of the Jewish people” by Shimon Peres, he played a central role in rescuing Ethiopian and Soviet Jewry, expanding Israel’s diplomatic ties, preserving Holocaust memory, fostering interfaith dialogue, and combating global antisemitism. Harris also supported democratic transitions in Eastern Europe, advocated for NATO expansion, and explored relations with Arab and Muslim communities. A prolific author and commentator, he holds four honorary doctorates and studied at the University of Pennsylvania and LSE, with appointments at Johns Hopkins and Oxford.

To register for this event, or for more information visit hhrecny.org email benefit@hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints Advisory Board Members

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:16:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced the appointments of Andy Laub and Alex Monroe to its Advisory Board.

Andy Laub is a senior clerk in the Registration Department of the Westchester County Board of Elections. The grandson of a Holocaust Survivor, Andy was inspired by his grandparents survival to get into public service and foreign policy. He has been a longtime local Democratic Party District Leader, having previously served on the staff of former Congressman Eliot Engel. Andy has been involved with organizations such as Young Professionals in Foreign Policy and serves locally in his home in Ardsley on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He has a BA in Political Science from Fordham University and an MS in International Relations from NYU.

Alex Monroe works at the intersection of technology and strategy, helping large organizations use data, ai, and innovation to grow and better serve their people and customers. He currently serves as Vice President at Paramount, where he leads revenue operations. Over his career, Alex has led teams at Paramount, Accenture, and an entrepreneurial venture. He holds multiple patents and has guided projects that turn complex challenges into practical solutions. Alex is a third generation Holocaust Survivor. Alex earned a BS in Business Management at University of Tampa.

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Andy and Alex to our Advisory Board,” said Daniel Weinreb, HHREC Board Chairperson. “Each of them brings a unique background and experience to our organization, and unbounded energy and enthusiasm for our work. We are delighted to have them join us in our effort to promote education about the Holocaust and human rights at this critically important time.”

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester County and the greater Hudson Valley area. Their mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with the New York State Education Department, area teachers, and students to help schools fulfill the NY State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights violations be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. HHREC has earned a 92% rating by Charity Navigator. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 or email info@hhrecny.org .

HHREC Executive Director Shares Support and Advice for Yorktown HS Students on October 7th Event

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:47:00 GMT

To read the full story published in Yorktown News click here .

HHREC Director of Education Featured in Article on Area School Teacher and Work with New York State

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:34:00 GMT

https://midhudsonnews.com/2025/09/19/carmel-high-school-teacher-creates-holocaust-curriculum

HHREC Secures Program Funding From Government Leaders

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:37:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is pleased to announce funding we secured in this year’s state budget thanks to the support of the Westchester legislative delegation. This includes $100,000 in funding from the delegation and an additional $65,000 from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. These resources will help HHREC expand its programs that promote human rights, combat antisemitism, and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to reach new generations across Westchester and beyond.

“We are proud of securing this critical funding for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center at such a critical moment,” said New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “At a time of rising antisemitism and hate, I remain deeply committed to supporting efforts that confront bigotry and strengthen tolerance in our schools and communities. HHREC’s mission to educate future generations about the Holocaust and human rights is more urgent than ever, and this investment will ensure their essential work continues to make a lasting impact across Westchester and beyond.”

Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “HHREC is a tremendous partner in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. This investment reflects our commitment to strengthening HHREC’s reach and supporting their educational programs and outreach.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center plays a vital role in ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hate and the importance of human rights. I am proud to join with my colleagues to deliver this funding, and I congratulate HHREC on its continued leadership in our community.”

HHREC thanks Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Burdick, Assemblymember Paulin, and the entire Westchester legislative delegation for their ongoing commitment to our important work.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints New Board Member Helene Wurtzel

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:11:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced the appointment of Helene Wurtzel, LCSW to its Board of Directors.

Helene Wurtzel is a psychotherapist with LifeStance Health in New Rochelle, NY. Her work as an educator with an academic clinical concentration in mental health focuses on empathic engagement. She is a compassionate social services professional who is dedicated to therapeutically assisting clients to thrive on their own terms and support their goals and personal growth. Previously she worked as a social worker/case manager at Westchester Jewish Community Services in White Plains, NY and at JCCA Pleasantville Cottage School/Center for Healing in Pleasantville, NY. Helene earned a Master of Social Work at Fordham University, a Master of Education-Social Studies at NYU, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Tulane University.

“I am very honored and excited to join the Board of the HHREC and participate in its meaningful and vital work,” said Wurtzel. “Their objectives steeped in outreach, education and building connections resonate personally and professionally and I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community.”
The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. Their mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Helene to our Board,” said Daniel Weinreb, HHREC Board Chairperson. “She brings a tremendous level of insight and experience to our organization, and enthusiasm for our work. We are delighted to have her join us in our effort to promote education about the Holocaust and human rights at this critically important time.”

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Shares Story at Yorktown Town Hall

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:53:00 GMT

Halston Media May 1, 2025 – Sonja Geismar told the story of her voyage on the German ocean liner St. Louis in 1939 and survival of the Holocaust.

https://news.halstonmedia.com/sections/yorktown-news/articles/yorktown-pauses-to-remember-the-holocaust?

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Hanne Holsten Presents Her Story at Harvey School

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:35:00 GMT

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Hanne Holsten shared her a story at the Harvey School in collaboration with the school’s Jewish Culture Club, the Harvey English and History departments to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. https://highschool.latimes.com/opinion/holocaust-survivor-hannah-holsten-shares-her-story-on-the-harvey-school-campus/

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Presents 13 Drivers’ Licenses to North Salem Central School District Students

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:21:00 GMT

North Salem Middle/High School’s Holocaust Remembrance Night featured a presentation by HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Lisa Salko and Exhibit of 13 Drivers’ Licenses. https://news.halstonmedia.com/sections/education/articles/in-north-salem-driver-s-licenses-tell-holocaust-stories-to-a-new-generation

HHREC Survivor Speaker Presentation Featured in Examiner News Story

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:42:00 GMT

This story about HHREC Survivor Speaker Fred Schoenfeld was published on May 29th in The Examiner https://www.theexaminernews.com/time-to-talk-and-tell-my-story-holocaust-survivor-shares-his-story-with-local-students/?utm_source=Examiner+News+All&utm_campaign=9a1c1f5e2b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_29_05_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9a1c1f5e2b-313300195

HHREC Executive Director Joined Governor Kathy Hochul Jewish American Heritage Month Reception

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:41:00 GMT

HHREC Executive Director attended a reception for Jewish American Heritage Month hosted by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on May 15th 2025, where the Governor reaffirmed New York’s commitment to battling antisemitism and supporting the Jewish community.

Yorktown Teen Arrested for Hateful Graffiti – Halston Media Story Features Quote from HHREC Executive Director

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:15:00 GMT

Racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic vandalism was found at skate park and track . By Miranda Ferrante Published May 16, 2025 at 11:06 AM

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y.— The Yorktown Police Department made an arrest Thursday in connection with a series of vandalism incidents— including anti-Semitic, racist, homophobic, and obscene graffiti —discovered on Mother’s Day at two public sites: Patriot Skate Park behind Town Hall and the Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Track & Field on Veterans Road. The graffiti was reported by residents on Mother’s Day and included hate speech at the skate park and profane images and words at the track.

“It’s our belief that oftentimes young people commit such acts of ignorance, not out of malice,” Millie Jasper, the center’s executive director, said. “Our job is to educate.” Read the full story at https://news.halstonmedia.com/sections/police-and-fire/articles/yorktown-teen-arrested-for-hateful-graffiti

Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration Draws Large Crowd, Features Holocaust Survivor Speaker and Remarks by Congressman George Latimer

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:00:00 GMT

On April 24 ^th , an estimated crowd of over 300 people gathered at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, NY for the Annual Countywide Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration. The program, presented by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) featured keynote speaker Arlette Baker, a procession of Westchester’s rescued Holocaust Torahs, and remarks by U.S. Congressman George Latimer.

The event began with the Opening of the Gates by Hillels of Westchester and the Sounding of the Shofar by HHREC and WJC Board Member Mitchell Ostrove, and was followed by the Procession of Rescued Torahs led by Rabbi Leora Frankel, President, Westchester Board of Rabbis and Rabbi Leora Frankel of Larchmont Temple.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Daniel P. Weinreb, Chairperson HHREC, and an Invocation was offered by Reverend Erwin Lee Trollinger, Calvary Baptist Church, White Plains. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins welcomed all attendees, followed by the keynote speaker.

Baker, a Holocaust Survivor, spoke about her experience growing up in Paris, France where she was raised in a French-Jewish family when, as a 4-year-old, she was arrested in their apartment by Nazis. She shared how her father was able to bribe the two men to let her go with her grandparents, and this saved her life. Her parents were taken to a concentration camp, deported to Auschwitz, and put to death. She remarked how she became an orphan during the Holocaust, and said “To me, the memory of the Shoah is part of my being, it Is with me every day of my life.” She also said: “The Holocaust was a planned, scientific plan for the extermination of the Jews.” and concluded her remarks with “My parents blood runs in the veins of my children and grandchildren. Don’t forget them. Do not murder them again. Speak about the 6 million, it is your turn.”

Following the appearance by Baker, a Holocaust Kaddish was delivered by Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman, Temple Beth Abraham and Kol Hazzanim, Westchester Community of Cantors, and a music selection was performed by Cantor Hayley Kobilinsky, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. The program concluded with closing remarks by Michael Mittelman, President Westchester Jewish Council.

HHREC and WJC Board Member Mitchell Ostrove sounds Shofar to open ceremony

Youth from The Leffell School carry rescued Holocaust Torahs

L to R U.S. Congressman George Latimer, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, HHREC Board Chairperson Daniel Weinreb

From L to R Arlette Baker with Son Renaud Baker and Daughter In Law Jennifer Baker

HHREC and WJC receive commendation from U.S Congressman George Latimer. Pictured L to R Elliot Forchheimer, WJC CEO, WJC Board President Michael Mittelman, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, Congressman Latimer, HHREC Speaker Michelle Gewanter and HHREC Board Chairperson Daniel Weinreb

Procession of Rescued Holocaust Torahs

Jennifer Baker, Arlette Baker and Arnaud Baker (L to R)) standing in front of tree and plaque from sapling donated by the Anne Frank Center USA

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins

WJC Board President Michael Mittleman

Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration to Feature Holocaust Survivor

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:50:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) will host the annual Countywide Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration Keeping the Memory Alive on Thursday, April 24th from 12 to 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, New York. The program will feature a keynote presentation by HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Arlette Baker and a procession of 35 Holocaust Rescued Scrolls. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is also scheduled to appear.

Keynote Speaker Former Chappaqua Schoolteacher

Arlette Baker was born into an assimilated French-Jewish family and raised in Paris, France. She is a dual citizen who earned graduate degrees in French and Latin at NYU and went on to teach courses in French and Latin in the Chappaqua School District.

At the end of December 1942, her parents, Fernand and Renee Levy, and 4-year-old Arlette were arrested in their apartment by two French Nazis. Arlette’s father was able to bribe the two men, and they let her go with the maid to her grandparents, and this saved her life. Her parents were taken to the Drancy Concentration Camp in the suburbs of Paris and then deported to Auschwitz where they were put to death in February 1943. She writes in her memoir Undaunted that “I survived for a reason. Everything good I did, and I am still doing, was, and is in memory and in honor of my parents.”

Arlette is an active speaker who has been an invited guest at commemorations and other Holocaust education events around the world. In 2024 she appeared at the Memorial de la Shoah in Paris. During this annual ceremony she read the names of her parents and other victims from France who were sent to concentration camps where they were murdered.

“During my visit to the Memorial de la Shoah, I was so moved by teachers bringing their students to read some of the names of the Holocaust victims” said Baker. “I hope to inspire more people, especially the youth who will serve to the lead the way in the future and preserve my story about the Holocaust and many more.”

Arlette was the former Chairperson of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee at her synagogue, Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford, NY, where she spearheaded the installation of a Holocaust Memorial. Today, In addition to her appearances as a speaker, she lectures and translates documents on the Holocaust.

The program will be held rain or shine, and admission is free and open to all. For more information contact Millie Jasper at HHREC mjasper@hhrency.org or Pam Goldstein at WJC pam@wjcouncil.org .

Area High School Students and Teachers Attend Education Event Featuring Second-Generation Holocaust Survivor

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:46:00 GMT

Over 300 students and teachers from 31 schools in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange County and Fairfield County, Connecticut attended the 23 ^rd annual Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders on Thursday, March 20 ^th at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York.

The program began with welcoming remarks by Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director and Dr. Tricia Mulligan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Iona University. Following opening remarks, Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School Teacher Brett Bowden presented and spoke about the importance of students being an “Upstander” and taking a stand in their communities against hate.

Following Mr. Bowden, HHREC Board Member and New Rochelle resident Leah Sills presented the story of her parents and grandparents who lived in Lodz in Poland and survived the invasion by Nazis during the Holocaust due to the heroic efforts of Upstanders including Sousa Mendes.

The program was organized and led by HHREC Program Coordinator Jeanne Claire Cotnoir, and included student workshops hosted by HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg, Bowden, and students who encouraged their peers to engage as activists or “Upstanders” in response to human rights violations.

Students Honored for Human Rights, Community Service and “Upstander” Works

A group of students were recognized for their work in promoting human rights in their schools and communities. These honorees included:

The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was awarded to Ashley Stangel – Byram Hills High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

The Andy Cahn “Community Service” Award was presented to Owen Brennen, Ossining High School, and Selena Nezaj, Pelham Memorial High School. This award is given in memory of the contributions and commitments made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for HHREC who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.

The Neil Ginsberg Student “Upstander” Award was presented to Kaymbri Wells, Ossining High School; Thaddeus Kromelis II, Sleepy Hollow High School; and Abigael Rondeau, Byram Hills High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

Area High School Participation
Participating schools included: Archbishop Stepinac High School, Ardsley High School, Blind Brook High School, Byram Hills High School, Croton-Harmon High School, Denzel Washington School of The Arts, Dobbs Ferry High School, Eastchester High School, Edgemont High School, German International School New York, Hastings High School, John Jay High School, Mahopac High School, Mamaroneck High School, New Rochelle High School, Newburgh Academy Main, Newburgh Academy North, Newburgh Academy West, North Salem High School, Ossining High School, Peekskill High School, Pelham Memorial High School, Pleasantville High School, Ridgefield High School, Rye Neck High School, Scarsdale High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Somers High School, The Ursuline School, Westchester Youth Alliance, and White Plains High School.

“We were very pleased at the response from area teachers and students who joined us for our program this year” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education. He added “It is very encouraging to see so many students and teachers turn out for a full day of learning about human rights, the history of the Holocaust, and lessons learned. We believe the powerful messages they heard today from our guest speakers and their peers will resonate with them for years to come, and hope they will remain active ‘Upstanders’ who protect and preserve human rights.”

The HHREC Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders was developed to further their mission by promoting student awareness of human rights issues on a local and global level, and to empower students to be “Upstanders” by creating and implementing action plans in their schools and communities. HHREC has organized and offered this event to area students and teachers since 2002. For more information visit HHRECNY.org or contact Steve Goldberg at sgoldberg@hhrecny.org .

Keynote Speaker Brett Bowden presenting to students

Leah Sills Presentation

Somers High School Students lead workshop on antisemitism.

High School Teachers during presentation

Croton-Harmon High School Students

(L to R): Steve Goldberg, Brett Bowden, Jeanne Claire Cotnoir

HHREC High School Student Honorees (L to R): Abigael Rondeau, Byram Hills High School; Kaymbri Wells, Ossining High School; 0ashley Stangel, Byram Hills Highs School; Jeanne Claire Cotnoir, HHREC Education Coordinator; Owen Brennen, Ossining High School; Selena Nezaj, Pelham Memorial High School; Thaddeus Kromelis II, Sleepy Hollow High School.

HHREC Announces New Storytelling Preparation Resource for Holocaust Descendants

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:53:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has announced they have launched the MemoryKeeper Family History Group . This program offers second and third generation Holocaust Survivors an opportunity to outline, develop and present their family’s Holocaust story.

The MemoryKeeper Family History Group provides access to resources that help develop family research, from pre-war through post-war and during their life in the U.S. This workshop offers hands-on assistance in writing vignettes, vetting for historical accuracy working with the HHREC Education Department, and training to prepare for presentations. The program cost is $230 and includes a one-year membership to HHREC.

“We are pleased to announce this important new resource, as it offers a unique opportunity for the descendants of Holocaust survivors to tell their stories and to make meaningful connections.” said Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director. “This program is a natural extension of our work in educating people in our communities about the history of the Holocaust, and to ensure the first-hand testimonies of their family members withstand the test of time. “

Training sessions will be held weekly for 10 weeks in person at the HHREC Library at 4 West Red Oak Lane in White Plains. The next workshop group will meet on Tuesday, April 8 ^th . To register or, for more information, contact Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrecny.org .

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker’s Family Life Story Featured in Article on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:12:00 GMT

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Renee Bronner Pessin shared her family’s life story and plans to appear as a speaker to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day during this interview by a columnist with the Danbury News Times.

HHREC Speaker’s Life Story Featured on UN Post

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:48:00 GMT

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Ernie Brod was featured on a video about his life , created by the U.K. mission to the U.N. marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Announces New Board of Directors Chairperson

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:52:00 GMT

Press Release
Contact: Millie Jasper
Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Announces New Board of Directors Chairperson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has elected Daniel P. Weinreb as their Board Chairperson. Weinreb is a Principal at Paragon Realty Group LLC, a real estate company based in Westport, CT that specializes in acquiring and developing retail and commercial properties. Weinreb will serve a three-year term effective January 1, 2025. He has been serving as a board member since 2005, and succeeds Michael Gyory, who served as Board Chairperson since 2021. Gyory will continue to serve as Vice Chairperson of the HHREC Board. Weinreb is the son of a Holocaust survivor, Bernie Weinreb, who escaped from the Vilna Ghetto in Lithuania in 1943, fought with the Partisans, and eventually came to live in America in 1947.
Reflecting the responsibilities, lessons and core values instilled in him by his father, he has, for over 25 years, helped spearhead a Yom HaShoah program designed to educate and enlighten the congregants and children , on behalf of his synagogue, the Jewish Community Center of Harrison; the Community Synagogue of Rye; KTI Synagogue of Port Chester; and Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester. He is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and has lived in Purchase, NY for the last 36 years with his wife, Wendy.

“I am who I am because I am the son of a Holocaust survivor.” said Weinreb. “Nothing has had as important an impact on me as the fact that my father lived through what he did and managed to survive the Holocaust. Along with my mother, he instilled in me the basic understanding of good and evil, what is important – and what is not. I am truly honored to be elected as the new Board Chair of the HHREC and look forward to continue working with our talented, diverse and dedicated Board members. I especially want to thank Michael Gyory, Joseph Kaidanow and Millie Jasper for all their inspired work as well as the leadership they provide. Rising antisemitism and hatred continue to remind us all how important the work of the HHREC is and, together with our Board, staff and supporters, we will continue to carry on our mission – to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and encourage students to stand up and speak up for dignity and respect, and against prejudice and bigotry.”

“It has been a tremendous privilege to be Chairperson of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center for the past four years” said Gyory. “I look forward to working closely with Daniel and HHREC to share the lessons of the Holocaust, genocides and human rights crimes to teachers and students in Westchester County and the greater Hudson Valley area.”

Weinreb previously served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Center of Harrison and is a past Chairman of the Real Estate Executives Division of UJA. He and his wife Wendy were among the initial volunteers who worked with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center to help with fundraising and the development of community awareness activities. They were also founding members of the Parent’s Advisory Council at the Children’s Hospital.

This announcement was also covered by Inside Press https://www.theinsidepress.com/holocaust-human-rights-education-center-announces-new-board-of-directors-chairperson/

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Featured in The Jewish Link On Scheduled Keynote Speaker Appearance on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 19:27:00 GMT

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Sam Rosmarin will appear as the keynote speaker for the Congregation B’nai Sholom/Fair Lawn Jewish Center commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on Sunday morning, January 26, at 10:30 a.m. To read the full story, click here .

HHREC Selected by New York State Education Department To Revise Curricula For Teaching History of the Holocaust

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:30:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains has been selected by the New York State Education Department to revise and update all curricular resources to teach the Holocaust and other genocides in order to meet the 1994 mandate. Steven A. Goldberg, the HHREC Director of Education, serves as the project manager. The Archives Trust under the leadership of Janet Braga is designing a unique platform to house the project.

HHREC will work with 29 active and retired educators from New York State to research and write materials for elementary, middle, and high school social studies and ELA teachers. One of the guiding principles is the notion of unique people rather than anonymity, reflecting the importance of case studies of individuals as lenses into a better comprehension of the enormity and complexity of these historical events. In addition to chronological segments on the Holocaust, the Resource Guide will also include sections on the Nature of Human Behavior, Literature and Art, The United States and the Holocaust, and “other genocides,” such as Armenia (1915-17), Holodomor (1932-33), Rwanda (1994), and Rohingya (2016). A special template for the analysis of genocides will be included. The guide will contain glossaries of terminology, lessons, activities, primary and secondary source readings, with questions, visual documents (i.e. photographs, maps, political cartoons, graphs, and charts), and hyperlinks to both personal testimonies and films.

“We are very excited to share the news that HHREC has been selected by the New York State Education Department to work on this important initiative.” said Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director. “As we have seen a significant rise in antisemitism and a growing number of people questioning the history of the Holocaust and other genocides, it is important now more than ever to educate students about these historic events, and their relevance today in our schools and communities, here in New York State and across the country.”

For more information, contact Steven Goldberg sgoldberg@hhrecny.org Tel: 914.696.0738.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org.

Students from 33 Area Schools Attend Annual Human Rights Institute Featuring Award Winning Actor

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:44:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center hosted their 9th Annual Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders on November 19th – 21st at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye, New York.

Students and teachers from 33 public and private middle schools in the Hudson Valley attended. HHREC staff and area middle school teachers facilitated a breakout session on the themes of “Human rights” and What it means to respect human dignity and How to Be an Upstander, and students met within groups to develop activities to implement in their schools. Students from Manhattanville University helped to facilitate the breakout sessions.

The program began with a keynote presentation by Sheila Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer of History’s Alive!, who portrayed an enslaved maidservant struggling with the way slave owners were treating her daughter in the days leading up to the American revolution. Ms. Arnold has also performed as a Regional Storyteller at Colonial Williamsburg, the Valley Forge Teacher Institute, and at conferences across the U.S.

This program was developed to further the mission of the HHREC by laying the foundation to encourage students to become “upstanders rather than bystanders.” Participating schools included: Albert Leonard (New Rochelle); Anne Dorner MS (Ossining); Ardsley MS; Bell Middle School (Chappaqua), Benjamin Turner (Mount Vernon); Blind Brook MS; Briarcliff MS; Cross Hill Academy (Yonkers); Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon); Dobbs Ferry MS; Eastchester MS; Fieldstone MS (North Rockland); French American School; George Fischer MS (Carmel); German International School (White Plains); Henry H. Wells (Brewster); Highlands MS (White Plains); Hommocks MS (Mamaroneck); Isaac E. Young MS (New Rochelle); Newburgh (Heritage MS, Meadow Hill Gem, South MS and Temple Academy); North Salem MS; PEARLS MS (Yonkers); Pleasantville MS; Port Chester MS; Sacred Heart (Greenwich); Seven Bridges MS (Chappaqua); Sleepy Hollow MS (Sleepy Hollow); Somers MS; and St. Joseph’s School (Bronxville).

“We are very pleased to continue offering this program to area middle schools this year.” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education. “We really appreciate the support from teachers to help us connect with their students, as we work together to help them learn about these important contemporary issues.”

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Sheila Arnold

Author of Klansman’s Son and Elie Wiesel Foundation Chair Appear at HHREC Annual Benefit

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:57:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their annual Benefit on Wednesday evening, October 30 ^th at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. An estimated 200 people attended the event that featured a Q& A session moderated by Daniel P. Weinreb, Vice Chair of the HHREC Board of Directors with author Adrianne Black and Elisha Weisel, Chairman of the Board of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. Twelve Holocaust Survivors who attended were recognized, along with second and third generation Survivors.

Black signed copies of his book THE KLANSMAN’S SON that chronicles the story of his experience being raised to take over the white nationalist movement in the US from their father, Don Black, a former Grand Wizard in the Ku Klux Klan who started Stormfront, the internet’s first white supremacist website.

Photo Credits: Raya Cottrell Photography

HHREC Announces 2025 Educators’ Study Tour of Germany and Poland

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:01:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced their International Educational Study Tour to Germany and Poland will be offered from June 20 ^th through July 6 ^th 2025. This guided tour will be hosted by HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg, and professional tour guide Gerrit Book.

This past summer, HHREC hosted educators from the U.S. on a sixteen-day tour of historical sites in Germany and Poland, as teachers from Archbishop Stepinac HS, Roosevelt HS (Yonkers), New Rochelle HS, White Plains HS, Mount Vernon HS, Denzel Washington HS, and the School for the Visual & Performing Arts (Mount Vernon) were joined by others from Florida, Ohio, New Jersey and South Carolina. The trip included stops at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, the Jewish Museum of Berlin, the Wannsee House, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Warsaw Ghetto, and Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp in Oranienburg, Germany.

Reverend Jim O’Hanlon, a Westchester clergyman from Rye Brook, also participated for the first time.

“This summer I joined a trip with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center to learn about how many people in Germany and Poland are bravely facing their history, how they honor the memory of those killed, how they explain what went wrong, and what if anything has changed.” said Reverend O’Hanlon. “A group of high school history teachers and myself were led beyond the movies and books many of us have seen and read. This trip, for me, was a kind of pilgrimage to learn more about how our faith informs our view of human sinfulness and efforts to build a more just society. The memory of that philosophy professor’s warning has remained strong for decades: the problem is not limited to one group or a purportedly more primitive time.”

The program is designed to offer insight into the history of the Jews in Germany and Poland, trace the origins of the Holocaust, and visit monuments and memorial sites through a series of interactive workshops and guided tours by experts in the field.

For more information, and to register for the 2025 International Educational Study Tour visit the HHREC Events page at www.hhrecny.org or contact Steve Goldberg sgoldberg@hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738.

To read Reverend O’Hanlon’s story visit https://www.mnys.org/from-pastors-desk/holocaust-educators-trip-my-european-trip-with-the-holocaust-and-human-rights-education-center/

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints New Board Members

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:17:00 GMT

Press Release
Contact: Millie Jasper
Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints New Board Members

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced Leah Rozenfeld Sills has joined their Board of Directors, and Caryn Tager Stafford has joined their Advisory Board.

Leah Rozenfeld Sills learned as an adult that her father, Stephen Rozenfeld, as well as her grandparents, Abraham and Eugenia Rozenfeld, escaped Poland and survived the Holocaust due to the immediate actions of Abraham who obtained transit visas from Bolivian Consul General Bilbao and subsequently through the heroic action of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, a Portuguese Diplomat stationed in Bordeaux, France. Sousa Mendes defied orders from his government and issued thousands of visas to people fleeing the Holocaust. Those people sought safety in Portugal and subsequently settled in countries around the world.

Sills presents her family’s story of escape, both in the US and in Portugal, and has been interviewed by national and international reporters about this topic. Her most recent exhibit titled “Call me Stefan” will have its opening in the U.S. this fall. This installation of 12 panels forms the shape of a Jewish star, and the exhibit will be offered to students and community members across the country.
Sills, a former librarian at the Riverdale Country School in Bronx, NY, holds an M.S. Ed. from the College of New Rochelle and a B.A. from The University of Massachusetts (Amherst). Leah is a longtime resident of New Rochelle, New York. She is a board member of the Sousa Mendes Foundation, a director in the Sills Family Foundation, and a community activist who previously served on the boards of Songcatchers, ArtsWestchester and Family Services of Westchester.

Caryn Tager Stafford is a practicing attorney. She is a graduate of Barnard College and Columbia Law School, and has been practicing Real Estate law for the past 35 plus years at several international law firms in NYC. She is currently Counsel in the Corporate Department’s Real Estate group at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and has worked there since 2005. Each year during her tenure at Weil she has been recognized as a “Pro Bono Super Star” and in 2023, was recognized as the Corporate Department’s Counsel with the most Pro Bono hours.
Stafford has represented many not-for-profit and charitable organizations over the years, including: The Boys’ Club of New York; Feeding Westchester; HIAS; 9/11 Memorial Organization; Breast Cancer Research Foundation; Cancer Care; Young Adult Institute (YAI); New Heights Youth, Inc.; Birthright Israel Foundation; Eden II School for Autistic Children, Inc.; The March of Dimes; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; New York Legal Alliance Group; Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation; Black United Fund of New York; and the Bishop Ford School. She has also served as a Trustee and member of various committees at Westchester Jewish Center, the Scarsdale Schools PTA, and has volunteered at the New Rochelle Humane Society, Larchmont/Mamaroneck Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels (Westchester), and the Salvation Army Thrift Shop (New Rochelle) and has been an active supporter of YAI, an organization serving the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled community.

This past year Stafford participated in the 2024 Ride for the Living fundraising program in Krakow, Poland, where she joined riders from around the world on a 60-mile bike ride from Auschwitz/Birkenau to the JCC of Krakow—a journey she described as one that “…symbolically bridges the tragic past of the Holocaust with the a hopeful future and rebirth of the Jewish community in Krakow.” and added “In the aftermath of the horrific events of October 7th and the recent surge in anti-Semitism in the US and abroad, I felt the more pressing need to continue to bear witness to the Shoah and support efforts to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism. My parents and grandparents fled Germany during WWII, but many other family members were not as fortunate and fell victims of the Nazis.”

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Leah and Caryn to our Board.” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “They each bring a tremendous level of insight and experience to our organization, and enthusiasm for our work. We are very pleased to have them join us in our effort to promote education about the Holocaust and human rights at this critically important time.”

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center to Honor Author, Philanthropist at Annual Benefit

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:17:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will hold their annual Benefit on Wednesday evening, October 30th starting at 6:30pm at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. This year HHREC will honor R. Derek Black and Elisha Wiesel.

R. Derek Black (they/them) is the author of The Klansman’s Son, a book that shares the story of being raised to take over the white nationalist movement in the US. Their father, Don Black, was a former Grand Wizard in the Ku Klux Klan and started Stormfront, the internet’s first white supremacist website.

R. Derek Black (they/them) is a doctoral candidate in history at the University of Chicago. Since 2016, they have spoken to many audiences at universities, foundations, institutions, museums, synagogues, and churches. They received the Elie Wiesel Award and a humanitarian award from the Anti-Defamation League. THE KLANSMAN’S SON is their first book.

Elisha Wiesel is Chairman of the Board of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, a philanthropist and former Wall Street executive. Since retiring from a twenty-five year financial markets career at Goldman Sachs at the end of 2019, he served in 2020 as one of the lead technologists in Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign. Elisha became philanthropically active through his board service with Good Shepherd Services, where he raised millions of dollars for New York’s neediest by convening “Midnight Madness”, inspiring hundreds of finance professionals to stay up all night solving elaborate puzzles on the city streets.

When his father passed, Elisha realized how many others missed his voice––and so, when opportunities for impact arise, Elisha shares his father’s message and continues his legacy by standing up for persecuted communities. In the last few years, Elisha has spoken at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum about the need to protect the LGBTQ community; shone a light while speaking at Auschwitz on the plight of Syrian refugees being denied Western asylum; written for the Financial Times about the urgency of upholding DACA; organized a Washington DC rally against antisemitism — including anti-Zionism; spoken at the United Nations about the persecution of the Uyghurs, and taken his son to peacefully march for Black Lives.

To register for this event, or for more information visit https://hhrecny.org/inspire_events/holocaust-human-rights-education-center-annual-benefit/ email benefit@hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738.

Agi Keleti: The Jewish Olympian’s Story of Survival and Triumph – Exhibit and Speaker Michael Gyory to Appear at Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:07:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE White Plains, NY – Agi Keleti: The Jewish Olympian’s Story of Survival and Triumph – Exhibit and Speaker Michael Gyory

On Thursday, July 18 ^th the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) in partnership with the Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison, NY will host a talk and presentation on the oldest living Olympian Champion and Holocaust survivor. Agi Keleti: The Jewish Olympian’s Story of Survival and Triumph will be presented by HHREC Board Chairperson and Generations Forward Speaker Michael Gyory.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, on January 9, 1921, Keleti’s journey is a tale of courage, survival and historic accomplishments. She survived the Nazis and outlasted the Communists to become the greatest female Jewish Olympian of all time winning 10 metals in women’s gymnastics for her native Hungary.

The program will also feature an exhibition that illustrates the story of a young girl’s survival during the Holocaust and drive to leave a legacy of courage, strength and will to win. This exhibit of 6 individual panels chronicle her life story.

“I am looking forward to sharing the amazing story of survival and success of my father’s cousin.” said Gyory. “With the upcoming Olympic Games this summer, I hope to shine a light on how she set an example for generations of aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams, and overcome any hardship or hurdles they meet along the way.”

The program will commence at 6:30pm, and the event is free and open to the public. For more information visit the HHREC events page at hhrecny.org and register in advance at https://desmondfishlibrary.org/event/agi-keleti-the-jewish-olympians-story-of-survival-and-triumph-exhibit-and-speaker-michael-gyory/

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper Interview On GenerationsForward Speakers Bureau.

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:04:00 GMT

Our Executive Director Millie Jasper was interviewed recently by Phyllis Zimbler Miller, an LA-based screenwriter (film and TV), author and playwright about our GenerationsForward Speakers Bureau. Phyllis is the co-host of the NEVER AGAIN IS NOW podcast about antisemitism on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We have seen a tremendous uptick in requests for speaking engagements for this second and third generation group that includes children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors who meet throughout the year. Click here for the interview and for more information about GenerationsForward visit https://hhrecny.org/generations-forward/

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints David Imamura to Advisory Board

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:31:00 GMT

Press Release
Contact: Millie Jasper
Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints David Imamura to Advisory Board

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced that David Imamura has joined the HHREC Advisory Board.

Imamura was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in a special election on February 27, 2023 to represent District 12, comprised of Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Irvington. He was re-elected that November to a full two-year term that began in January ’24. He is the first Asian-American to serve on the Board of Legislators. Legislator Imamura serves as the Chair of the Saw Mill River Watershed Advisory Board and the BOL’s Law & Major Contracts Committee. He also is a member of the Board’s Housing & Planning, Information Technology & Cybersecurity, and Legislation committees.

David is committed to creating a Westchester County that is open and affordable to all, particularly in the areas of housing and childcare. He is proud to have assisted with the drafting and passage of the Westchester Immigrant Protection Act and the Westchester Discriminatory Harassment Law. And he has been instrumental in supporting the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by ensuring Eid and Diwali are recognized as official school holidays in numerous districts and advocating across the County for inclusion of AAPI education in curriculums. He has also been widely heralded for his efforts to connect constituents with unclaimed funds residing with the New York State Comptroller’s office.

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome David to our Advisory Board” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “He brings a tremendous level of energy and experience to our organization, including working on important human rights issues that impact all of us. We are very excited he will join us to help in our effort to promote education about the Holocaust and human rights at this critically important time.”

Prior to joining the Board, David served as Chair of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission, Co-Chair of the Westchester Asian-American Advisory Board, Chair of the Irvington Democratic Committee, the Westchester Human Rights Commission, and the Westchester Complete Count Committee. Legislator Imamura received a Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. He is an attorney with experience in New York State election, campaign finance, and voting rights law. In 2022, he literally helped write the book on the latter. David was raised in Irvington, where his parents still live, and where he now resides with his wife and son.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains, New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

HHREC Second Generation Holocaust Speakers Featured in National Media Story

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:25:00 GMT

The Forward, a national award winning publication that delivers incisive coverage of the issues, ideas and institutions that matter to American Jews published a story about HHREC featuring GenerationsForward Speakers Click here for full story. Photo credits: Matthew Litman

HHREC Commemorates Planting of Sapling From Anne Frank’s Tree at Garden of Remembrance

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:35:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held a dedication for the Anne Frank Sapling at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains yesterday. The speakers included Westchester County Executive George Latimer, CEO Anne Frank Center USA Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, HHREC Chairman Michael Gyory, New York State Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs Eva Wyner and Fred Polak, descendent of Dutch Holocaust Survivors. Close to 100 people were in attendance to bear witness to this historic moment.

HHREC was recently chosen as one of six organizations in the U.S. to receive a sapling by the Anne Frank Center USA.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the sapling, a living memorial symbolizing hope, courage and resilience. It is our hope that the tree stands strong for many years to come so that future generations understand its meaning and splendor” said HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

Photo Credits: Raya Cottrell Photography

HHREC GenerationsForward Speaker Helen Rubel Appears on Town of Greenburgh Solving Problems Program

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 19:33:00 GMT

On May 28th Helen Rubel of the HHREC Generations Forward Speakers Bureau appeared on the Town of Greenburgh Public Access channel hosted by Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. Helen told the story of her mother and grandmother who where survivors of the Holocaust. By sharing her mother’s first person account of fleeing Germany, Helen hoped to ensure history does not repeat itself and that people become “Upstanders” – someone who stands up for what is right. To watch a recording of the interview click here .

HHREC to Hold Dedication Ceremony at Garden of Remembrance for Planting Sapling From Anne Frank’s Tree in Amsterdam

Thu, 30 May 2024 20:39:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center will hold a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, June 11 ^th at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, NY for the planting of a sapling grown from a tree referenced in Anne Frank’s Diary. The ceremony will begin at 12:00pm noon, and will include remarks by Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Anne Frank Center USA CEO Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather. The event is free and it is open to the public.

HHREC was chosen to receive the plant by the Anne Frank Center USA, an organization honoring the legacy of Anne Frank. Other locations receiving a sapling are: Anne Frank LA, Los Angeles, CA; College of Saint Mary, Omaha, NB; Community Day School, Pittsburgh, PA; Gratz College, Melrose Park, PA; and Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ.

“We are truly honored and grateful for being selected to receive a sapling from Anne Frank’s beloved chestnut tree.” HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper said. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this living memorial, and we look forward to sharing it with our community at the Garden of Remembrance as an eternal symbol of courage, resilience and hope.”

Anne Frank Center USA will plant saplings at key locations for each recipient in the spring of 2024, with plans to launch an extension of the program, the Anne Frank Garden Initiative, in 2025. Each sapling will become an integral fixture of the location where it grows and thrives.

With each sapling planted, Anne Frank Center USA is sharing Anne Frank’s love of nature with organizations across its coalition that have a common commitment to honoring Anne Frank’s memory through education, free expression, and belief in humanity.

The Tree in Anne’s Diary

From her only window to the outside world, Anne Frank could see the sky, birds, and a majestic chestnut tree. “As long as this exists,” she wrote in her diary, “how can I be sad?” Anne Frank wrote about her beloved chestnut tree in three separate diary entries in 1944, marking the changing of the seasons as she and others hid from the Nazis.

Project History

The Sapling Project began in 2009 with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam’s efforts to preserve the original chestnut tree by gathering and germinating chestnuts and donating the saplings to organizations dedicated to Anne Frank’s memory. Despite efforts to strengthen the original chestnut tree, the aged, diseased tree toppled in a windstorm in 2010. It was one of the oldest chestnut trees in Amsterdam.

Over the last 10 years, Anne Frank Center USA has awarded saplings to sites across the United States, including the U.S. Capitol, the United Nations Headquarters, and others. Taken together, these trees form a living memorial with branches reaching from coast to coast.

The Anne Frank Foundation evolved into the Anne Frank Center USA, securing official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in New York in 1977. AFC USA, which is still based in New York, functions as a decentralized organization. This makes it possible for the organization to remain nimble and responsive in a rapidly changing world. Over the past year, programs of AFC USA have reached hundreds of thousands of students in twenty-two states and the District of Columbia.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

ASSEMBLYWOMAN AMY PAULIN & WESTCHESTER LEGISLATORS SECURE $100K FOR THE HOLOCAUST AND HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION CENTER IN WHITE PLAINS

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:21:00 GMT

Westchester County, N.Y. – Assemblywoman Amy Paulin partnered with Assembly Members Chris Burdick, Dana Levenberg, Steve Otis, Gary Pretlow, Nader Sayegh, and MaryJane Shimsky to successfully secure $100K from New York State for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC).

“Given the alarming incidents of anti-Semitism that are happening in New York and around the country, it’s imperative that we support human rights education,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin . “One of the lessons of the Holocaust is that we must act decisively when we see the Jewish people being scapegoated or attacked. Jews were attacked on October 7, and have been continually under attack via harassment and intimidation. We must combat this rise in anti-Semitism by supporting a constructive path to peace through education by organizations such as the HHREC. I’m thrilled that we have been able to help fund the HHREC’s programs so that they can continue their great work of education and awareness to ensure that atrocities such as those of the Holocaust never happen again.”

HHREC is a nonprofit based in White Plains that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. The HHREC’s mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights violations be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students.

HHREC provides educational opportunities for students and educators, as well as community events such as the annual Westchester County Yom HaShoah (Day of Remembrance) Commemoration at the Garden of Remembrance, and Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) commemoration with Iona University. HHREC also has a Holocaust survivor speakers bureau which reaches over 50,000 students each year.

Millie Jasper, Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center said, “We’re grateful to the Assembly delegation for their strong commitment to arrest the rising tide of antisemitism and other forms of hate by offering funds to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center so that we can continue to develop and present appropriate programming to the student and adult community.”

Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “I am thrilled that we were able to provide the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) with funds that will help them to further their mission of ending bigotry and prejudice. The lessons of the Holocaust have never been more important as we face persistent ignorance, antisemitism, and hatred. I’ve worked with HHREC and know the incredible work the organization does, not only in imparting lessons of the Holocaust but also in providing positive and uplifting teachings that stress the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect. HHREC is truly making a difference here in Westchester, particularly its focus on our youth, who will help to shape our future.”

Assemblywoman Levenberg said, “As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I am acutely aware of the necessity of education about this chapter in history. While my mother is still with us, every day we lose more people from the generation that lived through the Holocaust. Now more than ever, with living memory of the Holocaust receding and antisemitism and Holocaust denialism surging, we need institutions like the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center to help ensure that we remember and do not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Assemblyman Steve Otis said, “The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center provides outstanding programs vital to the understanding of history, humanity, and human rights. I was very pleased we could support this work in the state budget.”

Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow said, “It is my hope that the funding granted to the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center will assist with the ongoing preservation of history as well as to provide new and valuable resources necessary to equip our society with the knowledge to combat hatred and prejudice and provide teachings to encourage empathy, tolerance and acceptance.”

“As a lifelong educator, it is imperative that we support initiatives to teach our youth about human rights abuses,” said State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh . “It is now more important than ever to address the growing polarization and tension that exists in our communities, nation, and world because of misinformation, misunderstanding, and unfortunately hate. We will continue to work diligently for respect of diversity and making knowledge available to all.”

Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky said “I am grateful that we were able to secure this funding for HHREC and its educational mission. The Holocaust survivors from their Speakers Bureau spent years recounting and recording their painful stories so that future generations will learn from the past and stand strong in defense of humankind. Nearly 80 years after the Nazi camps were liberated, the invaluable work of HHREC remains all too urgent and necessary in our world today.”

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**Attached photo is of Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, and New Rochelle residents and Holocaust survivors Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow.**

News12 coverage featuring interviews with HHREC Chairman, Board of Directors and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin May 16th, 2024 http://westchester.news12.com/local-legislators-secure-100000-for-holocaust-and-human-education-rights-center

Annual Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Wed, 08 May 2024 13:45:00 GMT

A crowd of over 300 people gathered at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains yesterday for the Annual Westchester Countywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration.

The event was presented by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC), Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) and UJA-Federation New York.

The program featured a moving speech by Holocaust Survivor Annie Kleinhaus, along with a procession of Westchester’s rescued Holocaust Torahs, and included remarks by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, U.S. Congressman Michael Lawler, WJC President William Schrag, HHREC Board Chairman and GenerationsForward speaker Michael Gyory, and Rabbi Lester Bronstein from Bet Am Shalom Synagogue. The program concluded with a singing performance in English, German and Hebrew by the Children’s Choir of German International School New York.

Photo credits: Raya Cotrell https://www.linkedin.com/in/raya-ozruso-cottrell-a6938a64/

To read the story about this event as covered by Journal News reporter Gary Stern visit: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/new-york/2024/05/06/westchester-ny-holocaust-remembrance-day-commemoration-warns-of-rising-antisemitism-yom-hashoah/73584859007/

To view photos taken by Journal News photojournalist Tania Savayan visit: https://www.lohud.com/picture-gallery/news/2024/05/06/holocaust-remembrance-day-in-white-plains/73590821007/

To see coverage of the event on News12 visit: https://longisland.news12.com/ceremony-held-to-mark-holocaust-remembrance-day-in-white-plains?region=longisland

Annual Holocaust Commemoration Event Features Leading Authority as Keynote Speaker, Honors Westchester County Teacher

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:09:00 GMT

On Tuesday, April 16th the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Iona University hosted the Annual William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration at the Iona campus in New Rochelle.

The event was presented by HHREC and Iona and featured a talk and presentation by Mark Weitzman, Chief Operating Officer, World Jewish Restitution Organization, Senior Delegate to the International Holocaust Remembrance Authority, and Vice President of the Association of Holocaust Organizations. Weitzman presented Antisemitism in America: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives . The program also featured with a presentation of the 22nd annual Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award to Laurie Lichtenstein, an English/Social Studies teacher at Seven Bridges Middle School.

Annual Helen and Leon Sperling Holocaust Program Speaker Announced

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:25:00 GMT

HHREC Board Chairman and Generations Forward Speaker Michael Gyory will appear as the keynote speaker at this annual event in Utica, NY.

https://www.wktv.com/news/education/annual-helen-and-leon-sperling-holocaust-program-speaker-announced/article_a8449078-00e1-11ef-82c1-cf70b30c0fa8.html

Seven Bridges Middle School Teacher to be Honored with 2024 Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award at Iona University Event

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:41:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE White Plains, New York – On Tuesday, April 16th the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will honor Laurie Lichtenstein, an English/Social Studies teacher and E.N.O.U.G.H. Jr. club advisor at Seven Bridges Middle School with the 22nd annual Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award. Lichtenstein will be presented with the award at the annual William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration Event at Iona University.

The event will commence at 7:30pm with the presentation of the award, to be followed by a talk and presentation by Mark Weitzman, Chief Operating Officer, World Jewish Restitution Organization, Senior Delegate to the International Holocaust Remembrance Authority, and Vice President of the Association of Holocaust Organizations.

Susan Goldberg was a dedicated English teacher at Westlake Middle School in Thornwood and a charter member of the Educators Planning Committee of the HHREC. She was also a Museum Fellow at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and received the New York State Education Department Louis B. Yavner Award as Outstanding Holocaust and Human Rights Educator. As a living testimony to her passion to eradicate hatred and bigotry through education and her personal courage to rise above adversity this award was established in 2003 in loving memory to be presented annually to an educator in our area who has made distinguished contributions to their school and community on teaching about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights.

In a letter to Lichtenstein, HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg wrote: “You are being recognized for your dedication to human rights education and for your determination to bring the lessons of the Holocaust and other human rights violations to your students at Seven Bridges Middle School. In 2018, you were an active participant in the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center’s Educators’ Trip to Germany and Poland. The willingness to continue your education reflects your desire to provide your students with a new insight and understanding of a difficult subject. Immediately after your return from Germany and Poland, you joined HHREC’s Educators’ Program Committee, and you have been instrumental in the development of new programs which further the study of the Holocaust and human rights education. Your work extends beyond your many accomplishments in your school and the Chappaqua community. In conclusion, you embody the spirit of the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award through your unwavering commitment to Holocaust education, human rights, and the betterment of your students and community. Your passion, leadership, and continuous efforts to make a lasting impact on your students’ lives make you an ideal candidate for this honor.

We hope that your good work will inspire your students to emulate your work ethic and passion for social justice.”

This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit the HHREC events page at hhrecny.org.

Area High School Students and Teachers Attend Education Event Featuring US Agency for International Development (USAID) Speaker and Second-Generation Holocaust Survivor

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:12:00 GMT

Over 400 students and teachers from 34 schools in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Suffolk Counties and Fairfield County CT attended the 22 ^nd Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) High School Institute event on March 14 ^th at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York.

The program began with welcoming remarks by Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director and Dr. Tricia Mulligan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Iona University. Following opening remarks, NY State Regent Dr. Frances Wills spoke about the importance of taking a stand against hate and seeking the path of becoming an “upstander”.

After the appearance by Dr. Wills, a panel of young adult activists gathered to speak to the students about human rights issues. The panel included Sam Lanoff, Program Assistant at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, who had attended the event as a student; Juan Ruiz-Diaz, a senior at University at Albany and recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student award from NASPA; Kaitlyn Incandela, a junior at Iona University and HHREC intern; and Matthew Boggi, freshman and Clark Scholar at Manhattanville College. The panel was moderated by Manhatanville students Ethan Core and Rae Santiago.

Following the panel, HHREC Generations Forward Speaker Lisa Salko appeared to present 13 Drivers’ Licenses, the true story of her family’s journey to Germany to reclaim the drivers’ licenses of her grandfather and uncles that had been confiscated by the Nazis over 80 years ago. Salko is the daughter of Holocaust Survivors, and her talk focused on how youth in a small Bavarian town came to terms with its darkest past about the Holocaust. The presentation was accompanied by a panel exhibition that highlighted how students reconstructed the fates of 13 people whose driving licenses were revoked because they were Jews. Salko has appeared at New York metro area synagogues, libraries, and schools, Baruch College, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, and at Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, Israel.

The program was organized and led by HHREC Program Coordinators Jeanne Claire Cotnoir and Debbie Michen, and included 26 student workshops, as teachers encouraged their students to engage as activists or “Upstanders” in response to human rights violations.

Students Honored for Human Rights, Community Service and “Upstander” Works

A group of students were recognized for their work in promoting human rights in their schools and communities. These honorees included:

The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was awarded to Janira Martinez from Peekskill High School and Alexandra Camardella from Somers High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

The Andy Cahn “Community Service” Award was presented to Avila Lim, New Rochelle High School and Elliott Saiontz, Horace Greeley High School. This award is given in memory of the contributions and commitments made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for HHREC who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.

The Neil Ginsberg Student “Upstander” Award was presented to Na Chen, Ossining High School and Charlotte Brodbeck, Byram Hills High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

Participating schools included: Archbishop Stepinac High School, Ardsley High School, Arlington CSD, Blind Brook High School, Byram Hills High School, Croton-Harmon HS, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Dobbs Ferry High School, German American School, Eastchester High School, Edgemont High School, Hastings High School, Horace Greeley High School, Iona Preparatory School, John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, John Jay High School Cross River, Mahopac High School, Mamaroneck High School, Newburgh Free Academy – Main Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – North Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – West Campus, New Rochelle High School, North Salem High School, Ossining High School, Peekskill High School, Pelham Memorial High School, Pleasantville High School, Ridgefield (CT) High School, Rocky Point High School, Rye Neck High School, Scarsdale High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Somers High School, White Plains High School and Westchester Youth Alliance.

“We were very pleased at the response from area teachers and students who joined us for our program this year” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education. He added “It is very encouraging to see so many students and schools turn out for a full day of learning about human rights, the history of the Holocaust, and lessons learned. We believe the powerful messages they heard today will resonate with them for years, and we hope they will remain active ‘Upstanders’ who protect and preserve human rights.”

The HHREC High School Student Institute was developed to further their mission by promoting student awareness of human rights issues on a local and global level, and to empower students to be upstanders by creating and implementing action plans in their schools and communities. HHREC has organized and offered this event to Westchester County area students and teachers since 2002. For more information visit HHRECNY.org or contact Steve Goldberg at sgoldberg@hhrecny.org .

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

HHREC High School Student Honorees (L to R): Na Chen, Ossining High School; Avila Lim, New Rochelle High School; Charlotte Brodbeck, Byram Hills High School; Elliott Saiontz, Horace Greeley High School; Alexandra Camardella, Somers High School; (missing: Janira Martinez, Peekskill High School)

L to R: Matt Boggi, panelist; Juan Ruiz-Diaz, panelist; Kaitlyn Incandela, panelist; Sam Lanoff, panelist

Lisa Salko, HHREC Generations Forward Speaker

Frances Wills, NYS Regents

Student presentation on Toxic Masculinity

L to R: HHREC Education Coordinators Debbie Minchin and Jeanne Claire Cotnoir

Anne Frank Center USA Grows Sapling Project

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:46:00 GMT

HHREC one of six to receive saplings grown from the horse chestnut tree that towered behind the Secret Annex in Amsterdam

NEW YORK, March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Anne Frank Center USA, an organization dedicated to transformative education honoring the legacy of Anne Frank, is pleased to announce six new recipients of saplings grown from the horse chestnut tree that towered behind the Secret Annex in Amsterdam.

The recipients are:

Anne Frank LA, Los Angeles, CA
College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska
Community Day School, Pittsburgh, PA
Gratz College, Melrose Park, PA
Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, White Plains, NY
Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ

The Tree in Anne’s Diary
From her only window to the outside world, Anne Frank could see the sky, birds, and a majestic chestnut tree. “As long as this exists,” she wrote in her diary, “how can I be sad?”

Anne Frank wrote about her beloved chestnut tree in three separate diary entries in 1944, marking the changing of the seasons as she and others hid from the Nazis.

February 23, 1944
“The two of us looked out at the blue sky, the bare chestnut tree glistening with dew, the seagulls and other birds glinting with silver as they swooped through the air, and we were so moved and entranced that we couldn’t speak.”

April 18, 1944
“April is glorious, not too hot and not too cold, with occasional light showers. Our chestnut tree is in leaf, and here and there you can already see a few small blossoms.”

May 13, 1944
“Our chestnut tree is in full bloom. It’s covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year.”

In a 1968 speech, Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank, reflected the impact of the chestnut tree on his youngest daughter. “How could I have known,” he asked, “how much it meant to Anne to see a patch of blue sky, to observe the seagulls as they flew, and how important the chestnut tree was for her, when I think that she never showed any interest in nature.” “Still,” he acknowledged, “she longed for it when she felt like a bird in a cage.”

Project History
The Sapling Project began in 2009 with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam’s efforts to preserve the original chestnut tree by gathering and germinating chestnuts and donating the saplings to organizations dedicated to Anne Frank’s memory.

Despite efforts to strengthen the original chestnut tree, the aged, diseased tree toppled in a windstorm in 2010. It was one of the oldest chestnut trees in Amsterdam.

About Anne Frank Center USA
The Anne Frank Center USA traces its roots to the efforts of Otto Frank in the 1950s to raise funds to support the restoration of Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. He established the Anne Frank Foundation in New York as a fundraising organization dedicated to this purpose. The Anne Frank Foundation evolved into the Anne Frank Center USA, securing official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in New York in 1977. AFC USA, which is still based in New York, functions as a decentralized organization. This makes it possible for the organization to remain nimble and responsive in a rapidly changing world. Over the past year, programs of AFC USA have reached hundreds of thousands of students in twenty-two states and the District of Columbia.

About Anne Frank
Born on June 12, 1929, Anne Frank was a Jewish teenager from Frankfurt, Germany who was forced to go into hiding during the Holocaust. She and her family, along with four others, spent over two years during World War II hiding in an annex of rooms on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, today known as the Anne Frank House. After being betrayed to the Nazis, Anne, her family, and the others living with them were arrested and deported to Nazi concentration camps. In March of 1945, seven months after she was arrested, Anne Frank died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She was fifteen years old.

About The Diary of a Young Girl
Since it was first published in 1947, Anne Frank’s diary has become one of the most powerful memoirs of the Holocaust. Its message of courage and hope in the face of adversity has reached millions. The diary has been translated into more than 70 languages with over 30 million copies sold. Anne Frank’s story is especially meaningful to young people today. For many she is their first, if not their only exposure to the history of the Holocaust.

Contact :
Meaghan Repko / Chloe Karp
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449

SOURCE Anne Frank Center USA

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anne-frank-center-usa-grows-sapling-project-302091520.html

Holocaust Survivors Join HHREC Speakers Bureau

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:35:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced three Holocaust Survivors have joined their Speakers Bureau.

Dr. Victor Borden is the son of Holocaust survivors Rywen (Roman) and Mina Bornsztajin (Bronstein), who were born and raised in Lodz, Poland from prosperous families. Victor tells the chilling story of his parents’ journey that started in Poland, as they survived imprisonment in the Soviet Union and eventually immigrated to America, where their son enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a physician.

Ernest “Ernie” Brod is a Holocaust Survivor who was born in Vienna, Austria in 1938. As a young boy he had to confront the grim realities of his father being among the first Jews killed in the early days of the Holocaust and seeing his brother sent off on a Kindertransport to England. A series of near miracles saved him and his mother from serving time in a concentration camp, and they made their way to Lisbon, Portugal before they finally immigrated to America in 1941. Ernie tells the story of how he and his family struggled to survive and eventually resettle in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn where he met his brother for the first time. A lawyer by training, he has spent the past 40 years as a corporate investigator and has been widely recognized as a leading expert in the field.

Charles Srebnik is a Holocaust Survivor who was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1934 to Maria and Leon Srebnik. On May 10, 1940 German forces invaded Belgium, and by October the occupying military government began instituting anti-Jewish measures. His family went into hiding to escape the German onslaught by living at a cottage overlooking a lake near Genval. Charles shares his story of being saved by a Catholic priest by hiding in orphanages to survive and eventually immigrating with his mother to America.

“We are very pleased to have such distinguished Holocaust Survivors who are witnesses to history join our Speakers Bureau and share their experiences with area high school and college students, and people who gather in our local communities.” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC. “here stories will endure as they are of historical significance, and we need to hear them today more than ever.“ For more information about the HHREC Speakers Bureau, and to schedule an appearance at area schools, synagogues, churches and civic centers visit HHRECNY.org

Local Authors Publish Book on Holocaust

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:09:00 GMT

A group of local second-generation Holocaust survivors have written and published a book documenting their families’ experiences during World War II. Testaments of Courage in the Holocaust is a compilation of true stories told by the authors that describes the courage and resilience of their family members who escaped the Nazis’ final solution.

“Putting this book together was a labor of love for me – a gift to the dear friends I met when I joined a Storykeeping Workshop sponsored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.” said Melanie Roher, one of the authors of the book. “When I listened to everyone’s stories during the class, I wanted to remember them, and not lose them over time. It has been a joy to work with each of my classmates, whose parents’ stories now live on these pages. “

Roher lives in White Plains, NY, and she is a member of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Generations Forward Speakers Bureau, a second and third generation group that includes children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors who appear at area schools, synagogues, churches and other community events. HHREC Memory Keepers are trained speakers who tell their family’s story from their next generation perspective, adding new meaning to the survivors’ powerful stories of witness.

Other local authors whose stories appear in the book include Pat Gaston (Irvington), Tina Goldman (Ossining), Michelle Griffenberg (Tarrytown), Ziporah Janowski (Croton on the Hudson), Gloria Lazar (Tarrytown), Joan Poulin (Somers), Vivian Pronin (Hastings-on-Hudson) Helen Rubel (Irvington), Dennis Schoen (Fairlawn, NJ), and Debby Ziering (Greenwich, CT.)

In the book Forward written by Lazar, she describes her experience working with fellow authors. “The personal histories in this book reflect months and years of research and reflection by a group of second and third generation descendants of Holocaust survivors, and in one case, a child Holocaust survivor. During the winter and spring of 2019 we met in a workshop each week and engaged in the arduous process of dissecting and writing our family histories. We searched through letters, diaries, photographs, audio and video tapes — every form of record — to uncover the struggle, displacement and survival of our family members who emigrated to the United States from almost every country in Europe where Jews were hunted by the Nazis. They are remembered by daughters, sons and grandchildren determined to document the courage of these brave individuals who escaped the Nazis’ final solution. The difficult journeys taken by our families reflect the ultimate triumph of the human spirit against the inhumane efforts by the Nazis to eliminate the Jews of Europe. We honor these brave men and women whose DNA we possess and whose spirit we hope to illuminate in our stories.“

The book is available for sale on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Testaments-Courage-Holocaust-Children-Survivors/dp/B0C87SSX3L and is available for teachers to utilize in their classrooms from the HHREC Anna & Nicholas Elefant Library in White Plains.

Five contributors to the book are scheduled to appear on the HHREC Memory Keeper Story Hour Wednesday, April 10 at 7PM on Zoom. For more information about HHREC Generations Forward Memory Keepers speakers and other education programs, events and resources offered by HHREC, visit HHRECNY.org .

The Authors
Top row, from L to R : Debby Ziering, Gloria Lazar, Melanie Roher, Dennis Schoen, Michelle Griffenberg, Ziporah Janowski, Pat Gaston, Joan Poulin.
Bottom row from L to R : Helen Rubel, Vivian Pronin, Tina Goldman,* Julie Lowy,* Mónica Mandell.
*These two participants continue to research and develop their stories. Their narratives do not appear in the book.

The Neuhaus Family before the war in the garden at their home in Hadamar, Germany

Werner Satz’s German passport issued in 1938

Meier Janowski’s mother Chana and her brother (white beard) sitting at the head of the table,

with their extended family before the war.

Theatrical Performance Highlights Iconic Figures Speaking on the Holocaust and Human Rights

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:59:00 GMT

On Wednesday, January 31 ^st the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and the Ossining Public Library hosted a live theatrical performance of Letters from Anne and Martin, a unique production featuring actors that combines the iconic voices of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The performance portrayed by actors from The Anne Frank Center USA explored the persecution these two iconic figures faced and their struggles to maintain hope for humanity in the face of hatred and violence. The program concluded with a Q&A moderated by HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg.

HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg Featured in Newsweek Article : How Holocaust Education Has Changed in America’s Schools

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:05:00 GMT

https://www.newsweek.com/holocaust-education-changed-america-schools-1864470#:~:text=Current%20Holocaust%20teaching%20across%20American,one%20of%20the%20largest%20U.S.

HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg Featured in Journal News Story about Student Reactions and Education Efforts During the Israel/Hamas War

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:51:00 GMT

This featured article in LoHud reviewed education efforts at schools in the Hudson Valley and New York State as reported by the journalist that “The passionate reactions of young people to the Israel-Hamas war have reminded many of the outcry over the Vietnam War.” and answer to the question: “But what do New York students learn about the Middle East and the history behind the current conflict?”

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2024/01/25/do-ny-students-learn-the-history-behind-the-israel-hamas-war/71975221007/

https://www.lohud.com/videos/news/2024/01/24/students-are-watching-israelhamas-war-on-social-media-but-what-do-they-learn-in-school/72345017007/

Hudson Valley Area Teachers and Students Attend Annual Human Rights Institute

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:52:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center hosted their 9th Annual Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders on November 15th, 16th and 17th at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye, New York. Students and teachers from 37 public and private middle schools in the Hudson Valley attended.

HHREC staff and area educators facilitated a breakout session on the themes of What does the term “human rights” mean? , What does it mean to respect human dignity? and How do we incorporate human dignity and human rights while learning to be an upstander? Students were engaged in different activities to address these vital issues, and met within groups to develop activities to implement in their schools. Students from John Jay (Cross River) High School, Byram Hills High School, Manhattanville College – Clark Scholars and Iona University helped to facilitate the breakout sessions. The event was organized by Jeanne Claire Cotnoir and Debbie Minchin, HHREC Coordinators of Student Programming.

The Institute began with a keynote presentation by Sheila Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer of History’s Alive! Ms. Arnold has also performed as a Regional Storyteller at Colonial Williamsburg, the Valley Forge Teacher Institute, and at conferences across the U.S.

This program was developed to further the mission of the HHREC by laying the foundation to encourage students to become “upstanders rather than bystanders.” Participating schools included: Albert Leonard (New Rochelle); Anne Dorner MS (Ossining); Ardsley MS; Barack Obama School of Justice (Yonkers); Benjamin Turner (Mount Vernon); Blind Brook MS; Briarcliff MS; Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon); Dobbs Ferry MS; Eastchester MS; Fieldstone MS (North Rockland); Fox Lane MS (Bedford); French American School; George Fischer MS (Carmel); German International School; Henry H. Wells (Brewster); Highlands MS (White Plains); Hommocks MS (Mamaroneck); Isaac E. Young MS (New Rochelle); Mahopac MS; Newburgh (Heritage MS, Meadow Hill Gem, South MS and Temple Academy); North Salem MS; Paideia School 15 (Yonkers); Pierre Van Cortlandt MS (Croton—on-Hudson); Pleasantville MS; Port Chester MS; Robert Bell MS (Chappaqua); Rye Neck MS; Scarsdale MS; Seven Bridges MS (Chappaqua); Sleepy Hollow MS; Somers MS; St. Joseph’s School (Bronxville); and Westlake MS (Mt. Pleasant).

“We are very pleased to continue offering this important program to Hudson Valley area middle schools.” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education. “Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that enshrined the rights and freedoms of all human beings. Our goal is to work with our education partners and their students to embrace these ideals as they become global citizens in our ever-changing world.”

For more information visit HHREC at HHRECNY.org or contact Steve Goldberg at sgoldberg@hhrecny.org .

HHREC Executive Director Quoted on Kristallnacht Story and Holocaust Survivor on NBC News

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:13:00 GMT

Education is what other experts offered as some of the most important parts of each Kristallnacht.

“Our hearts are heavy, as we enter this Kristallnacht,” said Millie Jasper with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center.

She said education is one of the most valuable ways to mark Kristallnacht each year, and especially this year.

“We say never again and hope that through education never again one day becomes reality,” Jasper said.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/holocaust-survivor-marks-the-night-of-shattered-glass-in-connecticut/3145515/

HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg Featured in Journal News Story about Racism and Antisemitism in the Hudson Valley

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:56:00 GMT

HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg was featured in this story published by The Journal News about racism and antisemitism in the Hudson Valley and our role working with area schools and their students to work through these issues. https://lnkd.in/eGgxBHn5

Students Commemorate the Holocaust Through Artwork

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:48:00 GMT

North Salem High School students create artwork inspired by their Holocaust studies for Yom HaShoah.

The student award winners previously attended the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration presented by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center and Westchester Jewish Council. North Salem and Somers students lit memorial candles during the ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains.

https://northsalempost.com/students-commemorate-the-holocaust-through-artwork/

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints New Board Members

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:05:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced that Yonat Assayag has joined their Board of Directors, and Rika Levin has joined the HHREC Advisory Board.

Yonat Assayag is member of the HHREC Generations Forward Speakers Bureau and is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. She is a Partner at ClearBridge Compensation Group, a New York City-headquartered company that works with Boards and senior management advising on executive compensation strategy and design.

Ms. Assayag has appeared as a guest lecturer at TheWharton School’s Women on Boards: Building Exceptional Leaders program and has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences including American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education (ALI-CLE), Equilar, National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), and WorldatWork. She has authored numerous articles on compensation design and governance practices and has been quoted in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and The Financial Times. Ms. Assayag earned a Master of Business Administration at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, and a Bachelor of Science from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University.

Rika Levin is the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Currently she is the Chief Marketing Officer of Sunnyside Federal Savings and Loan based in Irvington, New York. She manages the marketing, communications, philanthropy, and community outreach for this nationally chartered bank. Previously, she served as Managing Director at JCC of Mid-Westchester and earlier in her career, she held high level executive marketing and strategy positions, serving as Chief Marketing Officer at MetLife Bank, N.A. and as Vice President in various business at JP Morgan Chase; New product Development, Community Relations, Regional banking, Diversity, and Inclusions.

Ms. Levin also serves as Mayor, Village of Ossining, and is involved with numerous nonprofit organizations in Westchester. She earned an M.B.A. from New York University, Stern Graduate School of Business; a B.A. in American Studies at Brandeis University; and a degree in Economics at Tel Aviv University.

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Yonat and Rika to our Board.” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “They each bring a tremendous level of energy and experience to our organization, along with a high level of enthusiasm for our work. We are very excited to have them join us to help in our effort to promote education about the Holocaust and human rights at this critical time.”

HHREC to Honor Second Generation Holocaust Survivors at Annual Benefit

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:41:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will hold their annual Benefit Safeguarding our Shared History on Thursday evening, October 26th starting at 6:30pm at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. This year HHREC will honor second generation Holocaust Survivors Sam Rosmarin and Kathy Zaltas, who will be presented with the Eugene M. & Emily Grant Spirit of Humanity Awards.

The program will also feature a live theatrical performance of Letters from Anne and Martin , a unique production that combines the iconic voices of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kathy Grosz-Zaltas is a daughter of Holocaust survivors and serves on the HHREC Advisory Board. She is also an active member of the Center’s Generations Forward group of 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation descendants who are committed to keeping their family’s Holocaust story relevant. Kathy is the owner and president of Zaltas Gallery of Fine Jewelry located in Mamaroneck, NY.

Sam Rosmarin is the son of two Holocaust Survivors, and is a member of the HHREC Generations Forward group and co-host of the HHREC Memory Keepers Story Hour.

Sam has enjoyed a stellar multi-decade career as a catastrophic personal injury litigator who currently devotes himself to the art and science of mediation and arbitration

To register for this event or for more information including sponsorship opportunities visit hhrecny.org email benefit@hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738.

Third Generation Holocaust Survivor Shares Story and Exhibit at Memorial in Jerusalem

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:07:00 GMT

On July 13th at the official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel, Lisa Salko, a member of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) GenerationsForward Speakers Bureau, presented the story of the 13 Drivers’ Licenses. Her presentation is based on the individual stories of thirteen Jewish citizens of Lichtenfels, a northern Bavarian village, including five who perished at a Nazi death camp in Poland.

The program was co-sponsored by Yad Vashem, the Sandra Kahn Wasserman Jewish Studies Center at Baruch College, and the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. Yad Vashem, located in Jerusalem, is dedicated to preserving the memory of Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust; echoing the stories of the survivors; honoring Jews who fought against their Nazi oppressors and gentiles who selflessly aided Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular, and genocide in general.

Accompanying Salko was HHREC Director of Education Steve Goldberg, who spoke briefly about the work of the HHREC and their involvement with the project. In the audience were Yad Vashem staff, history teachers from the German state of Brandenburg, and teachers from Jewish day schools in the United States and Canada who were enrolled in a summer institute through the International School at Yad Vashem. The program featured a screening of the documentary 13 Driver’s Licenses directed by Ryoya Terao, Associate Professor of Video Production at City Tech, CUNY. The film has been screened at film festivals around the world, and it has received numerous best documentary awards. The final portion of the program was the donation of two of the licenses – those of Sigmund Marx, Lisa’s grandfather who survived, and his brother-in-law Alfred Oppenheimer, who perished at Sobibor. These artifacts will now be part of the archive at Yad Vashem.

In February 2017, a cache of thirteen drivers’ licenses, confiscated by Nazi authorities from Jewish citizens in 1938, was found in an envelope in a government office. The district administrator gave them to his former history teacher at the high school, thinking it might provide a research opportunity for his students. For nine months, students meticulously investigated the names on the licenses, digging through local archives and on-line resources, conferring with experts, and trying to find and contact any possible descendants. In the process they learned that five of the drivers’ license owners had died in 1942, probably at Sobibor death camp in Poland They were able to locate relatives of many of these individuals in the United States, Israel and Argentina who assisted in filling in the missing details. Among the descendants is Salko, who is related to three of the drivers.

In November 2018, Lisa and members of her family were in Lichtenfels on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht to attend the opening of “13 Drivers’ Licenses: Thirteen Jewish Lives,” an exhibit based on the students’ research project which has helped the town’s inhabitants confront its horrendous and regrettable past and chart a way to move forward.
The HHREC is the only institution in the United States that has the English-language version of the exhibit. Over the past four years, it has been displayed in many venues and presented by Salko. In 2023 it was exhibited at the Scarsdale Tremont and Emanu-El Synagogues, The Sandra Kahn Wasserman Jewish Studies Center at Baruch College (CUNY), Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, NJ, Cornwall HS, Horace Greeley HS, Temple B’nai Abraham (Livingston NJ), Hommocks School, Pelham Memorial HS, Temple Beth Shalom (Mahopac), Temple Israel of Northern Westchester (Croton), Dover HS, Eastchester MS, Croton-Harmon HS, Robert Bell MS, and Seven Bridges MS.

Groups interested in arranging for the display of the exhibition and/or Lisa Salko’s presentation can register on the HHREC website at https://hhrecny.org/13-drivers-licenses-exhibit-panels-to-loan-2/

Bettina Malka-Igelbusch, Director of Reference and information Services Department at Yad Vashem (left) accepts the driver’s licenses of Sigmund Marx and Alfred Oppenhemer from Lisa Salko (center) and Linda Tutin (right).

Steven Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education

Students From Westchester, Across the U.S. and Canada Participate in Annual HHREC Student Contest to Promote Genocide Awareness

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 01:42:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) recently held their annual Genocide Awareness Student Contest in commemoration of April as Genocide Awareness and Prevention month. HHREC invited students to create an original project in visual arts, poetry, music, or other media of artistic expression that commemorates an aspect of a genocide which occurred in the 20th or 21st century.

HHREC received 85 student submissions from schools located in Westchester County, New York, from around the U.S., and from Canada. The schools that participated included: John Jay High School, Katonah-Lewisboro, New York; Byram Hills High School, Armonk, New York; and Woodlands Middle/High School, Greenburgh, New York from Westchester; Greenwich High School, Greenwich, Connecticut; Union County Vocational Technical High School, New Jersey; Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, Illinois; and South Kamloops Secondary School, British Columbia, Canada.

The Grades 7 & 8 First Place winners were: Lev Schlamann – Rotolo Middle School – Batavia, Illinois; Original Art, “In Memory of the Holodomor; Cailey Salzman – Rotolo Middle School – Batavia, Illinois; Original Art, “The Reflection” commemorating the Armenian Genocide; and Izzy Leslie – Rotolo Middle School – Batavia, Illinois; Original Art – “A Memorial for the Holodomor Genocide.”

The Grades 9 & 10 First Place winner was Renee Chin – Greenwich High School – Fairfield County, Connecticut; Original Digital Art – “Lost Identity” commemorating the Rwandan Genocide.

The Grades 11 & 12 First Place winners were: Elias McDonald – South Kamloops Secondary School – British Columbia, Canada; Original Art – “Never Seen (Again) commemorating the Indigenous People of Turtle Island; and Abigail Castellanos – Union County Vocational Technical High School, New Jersey; Original Art – “Roses of Reflection” commemorating homosexuals targeted during the Holocaust.

All projects were evaluated by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center’s Education Department.

“It is extremely important for young people to learn about genocide, which has been perpetrated at least as long as humans have been recording history” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director at HHREC. She added “We believe this project provides students a unique opportunity to raise awareness about a genocide, and remember those who were lost as a result. All of the projects we received reflected originality, creativity and authenticity. We were very pleased and honored to have local, regional, national and international participation this year, and look forward to expanding this program to include even more next year.”

For more information, including a complete list of the winners in each category, visit the HHREC website at https://hhrecny.org/genocide-awareness/ .

Student contestants from Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois.

HHREC and Sunnyside Federal Partner on Grant Program to Support Teaching About the Holocaust, Human Rights and Racism

Wed, 03 May 2023 13:30:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has developed a partnership with Sunnyside Federal of Irvington, New York to offer the Sunnyside Federal Grant Program for Teachers, to assist them in teaching about the Holocaust and related topics including human rights, antisemitism, discrimination, racism, and genocide.

The goal for this program is to enrich student learning experiences, subsidize special programs, and help to meet instructional needs for schools not otherwise supported by their budgets. Grants of up to $400 will be awarded to teachers working in public, private, and parochial schools in the Lower Hudson Valley.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this new program through our partnership with Sunnyside Federal to our education partners in the Lower Hudson Valley.” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director.

“Sunnyside Federal has been investing in our local community for more than 90 years. We are proud to support educational programs across Westchester and announce this new partnership with the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.” said Fred Schulman, Chairman and CEO, Sunnyside Federal.

Applications will be reviewed by the Educators Program Committee of the HHREC and Director of Education, Steven Goldberg. Grant recipients will be required to submit a one-page summary statement and an evaluation at the completion of their projects from materials suitable for replication submitted to HHREC.

Grant applications will be open to teachers starting August 15th, 2023 and the deadlines for submission of grant proposals and notification of awards will be made on a rolling basis. Notifications of reviewed applications will be responded to within one month of receipt.

A reception honoring grant recipients will take place at Sunnyside Federal in Irvington. For more information and to apply, contact Steven Goldberg sgoldberg@hhrecny.org or call HHREC at (914) 696-0738.

About the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights crimes to more than 2,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information visit hhrecny.org , call 914.696.0738 or email info@hhrecny.org

About Sunnyside Federal

Sunnyside Federal Savings and Loan was founded over 90 years ago as a community bank with a mission to help communities, businesses, and individuals prosper and grow. We have a well-earned reputation as experts at lending for businesses of all sizes, not for profits and individuals, and keep your money safe and secure. We operate a full-service branch and loan production office in Irvington, New York, and are growing our reach and presence throughout Westchester and Rockland. For more information visit www.SunnysideFederal.com , or call 914-591-8000.

The Journal News Article on 2023 Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:32:00 GMT

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2023/04/18/westchester-holds-holocaust-remembrance-commemoration/70111054007/

Westchester Examiner Article on Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:17:00 GMT

Martin Wilbur Westchester County , White Plains

HHREC Director of Education Featured in Journal News Front Page Story on Holocaust Education in Schools

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:56:00 GMT

HHREC and Westchester Jewish Council to Host Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration April 18th at Garden of Remembrance in White Plains

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:08:00 GMT

HHREC and Westchester Jewish Council to Host Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration April 18 ^th at Garden of Remembrance in White Plains

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) will host the annual Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration Keeping the Memory Alive on Tuesday, April 18th from 12 to 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance on 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, New York. The program will feature a keynote presentation by a Holocaust Survivor and a procession of Westchester’s rescued Holocaust Torahs.

This event will be held rain or shine, and admission is free and open to all. For more information contact Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrency.org or Pam Goldstein pam@wjcouncil.org .

HHREC Education Exhibit Panels on Display at Pelham Memorial High School

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:05:00 GMT

Over 350 Students From 31 Schools Attend 21st Annual Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center High School Institute at Iona University

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:27:00 GMT

Over 350 students and teachers from 31 schools in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Suffolk Counties attended the 21 ^st Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) High School Institute event on March 15 ^th at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York.

The program began with welcoming remarks by HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper and Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, Brother John G. Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Christian Studies, and Dr. Tricia Mulligan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of Iona University. Following the opening remarks, HHREC Director of Education Julie Scallero introduced keynote speaker Sheila Arnold. Ms. Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer of History’s Alive! appeared in character as Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting and women’s rights activist and leader in the civil rights movement. She has performed as a Regional Storyteller at Colonial Williamsburg, the Valley Forge Teacher Institute, and at education conferences across the U.S.

The HHREC Student Institute workshops were led by experienced facilitators to encourage open discussions, as teachers encouraged their students to engage as activists or “Upstanders” in response to human rights violations. Following the workshops, Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins appeared to issue a proclamation that May 22 ^nd to 26 ^th will be “Westchester County Upstander Week,” This call to action was designed to encourage student activism and awareness by inspiring them to become “upstanders” (rather than bystanders) – and take an active role in changing the world by hosting an event in their communities to bring attention to a human rights issue.

The event culminated with a talk and Q&A with HHREC Board Chairperson and Generations Forward Speakers Bureau member Michael Gyory. Gyory shared the story of his father’s cousin Agi Keleti, a 102-year-old Holocaust Survivor who survived the Nazis and outlasted the Communists to become the greatest female Jewish Olympian of all time – winning 10 medals in women’s gymnastics for her native Hungary. Agi is currently the oldest living Olympic medalist.

Students were also recognized for their work in promoting human rights in their schools and communities.

The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was awarded to Izzy Sampere and Allie Cooper of Byram Hills High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.
The Andy Cahn “Community Service” Award was presented to Lana Weiser of Scarsdale in memory of the contributions and commitment made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.
The Neil Ginsberg Student “Upstander” Award waspresented to Miyuki Oblitas of Mamaroneck High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

“We were very pleased at the response from area teachers and students who joined us in person for our program this year” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Director of Education. She added “It was very inspiring to hear from the students who were so well-prepared, and see their reactions as they heard from Sheila Arnold about the challenges faced by her character Fannie Lou Hamer and others as they struggled to achieve their right to vote. It was also encouraging to see the response to the talk by our Board Chair Michael Gyory about his cousin and the spellbinding story of how she survived the Holocaust to eventually become an Olympic medal winner and role model for our students. We believe the powerful messages we heard yesterday will resonate with these students for years as they become more active as ‘Upstanders’ to protect and preserve human rights.”

Participating schools included: Ardsley High School, Blind Brook High School, Briarcliff High School, Byram Hills High School, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Dobbs Ferry High School, Eastchester High School, Edgemont High School, Hastings High School, Horace Greeley High School, Iona Preparatory School, John Jay High School, Mahopac High School, Mamaroneck High School, Newburgh Free Academy – Main Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – North Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – West Campus, New Rochelle High School, North Salem High School, Ossining High School, Peekskill High School, Pelham Memorial High School, Pine Bush High School, Pleasantville High School, Ridgefield High School, Rocky Point High School, Rye Neck High School, Scarsdale High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Somers High School, and Westchester Youth Alliance.

The HHREC Student Institute was developed to further their mission by promoting student awareness of human rights issues on a local and global level, and to empower students to be upstanders by creating and implementing Action Plans in their schools and communities. HHREC has organized and offered this event to Westchester County area students and teachers since 2002. Past events have been hosted in partnership with Iona College in New Rochelle. For more information visit HHRECNY.org or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org .

Sheila Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer (L) and Julie Scallero, HHREC Director of Education (R)

Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, Brother John G. Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Christian Studies, Iona University (L)

and HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper (R)

Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins at podium.

HHREC Board Chairperson and GeneratonsForward Speaker Michael Gyory

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper sharing proclamation from Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins

HHREC Promotes Education Program to Combat Rising Hate Crimes in Schools

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:28:00 GMT

Press Release

Contact: Millie Jasper

Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738

HHREC Promotes Education to Combat Rising Hate Crimes in Schools

February 3, 2023 – Incidents of hate crimes continue to cause concern in cities and towns across the country, and a rising number of these have been occurring in the greater Westchester County, New York area. As schools continue to grapple with ways to confront this growing wave, an increasing number of administrators are turning to new methods that attack the root cause of these incidents– ignorance and a lack of education on the topic.

In their ongoing effort to promote education as a means to stem this growing tide of bias-related incidents and hate crimes, The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, New York, a nonsectarian not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting tolerance and respect for diversity, offers a program designed to educate and sensitize juveniles involved in these crimes. The HHREC Juvenile Offender program was developed to react to these offenses as they are referred by the Westchester County DA’s office, the Legal Aid Society , the Judicial System, local public and private schools, local municipalities, and the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.

“We are very troubled at the evidence we are seeing and the spike in incidences of hate crimes including antisemitism over the past few years, particularly in our schools” said Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director. “These crimes based on religion, race, ethnic background or sexual orientation have increased dramatically, and they are often committed by youthful offenders. The goal of our Juvenile Offender program is to work with our education partners to educate and sensitize these offenders – changing and rechanneling their bigoted and prejudicial attitudes that often result in hostile and offensive acts – by fostering tolerance for others, understanding and respect for diversity.”

The HHREC Juvenile Offender Program offers area schools the opportunity to:

Educate juvenile offenders about the dangers of hatred and bigotry;
Provide role models for positive behavior, helping juvenile offenders change from perpetrators to activists in the prevention of bias-related incidents and hate crimes ;
Help young offenders channel the hostility and anger that frequently lead to destructive behavior into more constructive directions;
Nurture pride in the juvenile’s own ethnic, racial and religious background and the ability to relate to the pride of other ethnic, racial and religious groups; and
Encourage juvenile offenders to gain an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of our community and our nation by learning about the historical roots and current concerns of various groups.

The topics for the program will vary depending on the needs of the participants, but include the study of African American, Latino, Jewish and Asian histories and cultures, studies in homophobia and LBGTQ+ issues, diversity training, conflict resolution to combat racism, and others. The course sessions includes exercises and discussions as well as speakers, and participants will be expected to complete reading and writing assignments.

The program does not include juveniles convicted of violent crimes, or those with identified violent tendencies. Outcomes are measured by the program administrator, facilitators, school and justice system personnel, as well as by the self-assessment of the participants themselves. According to the HHREC, wherever they have been able to offer this program, there has been “0% recidivism” involving those students.

There is no cost for schools to participate in this program. For more information, contact Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel: 914.696.0738.

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights crimes to more than 1,500 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information visit hhrecny.org , call 914.696.0738 , or email info@hhrecny.org

Media Covers HHREC Executive Director Appearance with Westchester County Executive on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:08:00 GMT

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper shared remarks during a press conference at the Westchester County Office in White Plains on Friday, January 27th in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Watch the recording here .

HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speaker Helga Luden speaking with students.
Photo credit: The Inside Pres

Westchester County Legislators also issued this statement to commemorate the day.

There was also coverage of an appearance by HHREC Speakers Bureau Member Helga Luden at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day Event sponsored by the Horace Greeley High School Club ENOUGH and the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee. Read about it in The Inside Press .

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Supper Seminar Series Story in Jewish Link Publication

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 15:49:00 GMT

We are pleased to share this news story with our HHREC Community.

https://jewishlink.news/community-news/56015-supper-seminars-for-holocaust-educators

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Offers Annual Middle School Institute Program for Area Students

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:45:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center hosted their 8th Annual Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders on November 15th, 16th and 17th at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye, New York. Students and teachers from thirty public and private middle schools in the Lower Hudson-Westchester region attended. HHREC staff and area middle school teachers facilitated a breakout session on the themes of Respecting the Individual and How to Be an Upstander, and students met within groups to develop activities to implement in their schools. High School students from Byram Hills, Dobbs Ferry, John Jay (Katonah-Lewisboro) and Somers helped to facilitate the breakout sessions.

This program was developed to further the mission of the HHREC by laying the foundation to encourage students to become “upstanders rather than bystanders.” Participating schools included: Albert Leonard (New Rochelle); Benjamin Turner (Mount Vernon); Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mount Vernon); Dobbs Ferry; Eastchester; Fieldstone (North Rockland); Fox Lane (Bedford); French American School; German International School; H.H. Wells (Brewster); Highlands (White Plains); Hommocks (Mamaroneck); Isaac E. Young (New Rochelle); Mahopac; Newburgh (Heritage MS, Meadow Hill Gem, South MS and Temple Academy); North Salem; Pierre Van Cortlandt (Croton—on-Hudson); Pleasantville; Port Chester; Rye Country Day School; Rye Neck; Scarsdale; Seven Bridges (Chappaqua); Somers; Westlake (Mt. Pleasant); and Woodlands (Greenburgh) middle schools.

“We are very pleased to continue offering this program to area middle schools this year.” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Co-Director of Education. “We really appreciate the support from their teachers to help us connect with their students ,as we work together to help them learn about these important contemporary issues.”

For more information visit the HHREC website at HHRECNY.org or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org .

Jeanne Claire Cotnoir HHREC Coordinator of Student Programming

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Announces New Staff

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:09:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has appointed Jeanne Claire Cotnoir and Deborah Boxer Minchin as Coordinators of Student Programming. Cotnoir and Minchin will work with HHREC Co-Directors of Education Steve Goldberg and Julie Scallero on education programs, including the Human Rights Institutes for Student Leaders, Living History Project, White Rose Student Competition, and Genocide Awareness Student Competition. They will also develop outreach strategies to expand participation of area schools in the entire range of education programs offered by HHREC.

Accomplished and highly honored education professionals, Cotnoir was formerly a social studies teacher at Briarcliff High School, and Minchin was formerly a social studies teacher at New Rochelle High School. They have also both served as adjunct lecturers at area universities.

“We’re very happy that Jeanne Claire and Deborah have joined the HHREC team as Coordinators of Student Programming.” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC. “They each bring a tremendous amount of experience and enthusiasm to these roles.”

For more information visit https://hhrecny.org/staff-and-board-of-directors/#Jeanne

Chappaqua Middle School Teacher Shares Insight From HHREC Trip: Summer Travels Amplify History of the Holocaust

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 21:26:00 GMT

Laurie Lichtenstein, a teacher at Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, and a new member of the HHREC Educators’ Program Committee, participated in the Summer 2022 Educators’ Trip to Germany and Poland. Read her informative and insightful article that appeared recently in MiddleWeb .

HHREC Annual Benefit to Honor Dennis Mehiel, Feature Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist Bret Stephens as Keynote Speaker

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:22:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will honor Westchester County Business Executive Dennis Mehiel and feature Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist Bret Stephens as Keynote Speaker at their annual Benefit on Thursday, October 27th starting at 6:30pm at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.

Dennis Mehiel, formerly a twenty-year Westchester County resident, is the Managing Member of Four M Investments, LLC, headquartered in White Plains. Four M is a Private Investment Firm that manages only family funds, focused on early-stage technology, food service and corrugated packaging. He is the Chairman and CEO of Delmarva Corrugated Packaging, Inc.

Mr. Mehiel is the former Chairman, CEO and Principal Shareholder of Box USA, which he founded in 1966. When sold to International Paper Box USA was then the Nation’s largest independent producer of corrugated shipping containers operating 22 corrugated packaging facilities and two containerboard mills, all located within the continental United States. Mr. Mehiel is also the former Chairman, CEO, and Principal Shareholder of Sweetheart Cup Company, which was then North America’s largest producer of disposable tabletop products for the away-from-home dining market. Sweetheart was rescued from insolvency when acquired by Mr. Mehiel in 1998, and was divested to its principal competitor, Solo Cup Company in 2004. More recently, Mr. Mehiel has begun development of a small number of large capacity capital intensive “Alpha” Corrugated Manufacturing Facilities, the first of which began operations in late 2021 at Dover, Delaware.

Mr. Mehiel has long been active in New York State political and civic life. He served for 12 years as a member of the Democratic National Committee, is a former Chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, was an Officer and Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. He was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in 2002 and was the New York State Chair of the Kerry Presidential Campaign in 2004. From 2012 until 2017 Mr. Mehiel served as Chairman and C.E.O. of The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), which operates a 92 Acre property at the south end of Manhattan created when the World Trade Center was constructed 40 years ago.

Mr. Mehiel is a former Member of the Board of The Milano School for Management and Urban Policy at the New School, a Member of Business Executives for National Security and a former Trustee of the Westchester Medical Center. From 1989 until 1993 he was a Trustee of the Windward School in White Plains, one of the region’s premier providers of education for learning disabled children. He also served for ten years as a Trustee of the Purnell School in Pottersville, N.J., an independent high school for girls who have not succeeded in a traditional competitive academic setting. Mr. Mehiel was the first person not of the Jewish faith ever elected to the Board of Governors of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work where he served from 1989 until 1996.

Mr. Mehiel is a member of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City. Until recently he served as the Chairman of Friends of St. Nicholas, charged with managing the construction of The Saint Nicholas National Shrine, which replaces the only House of Worship lost during the attack on September 11, 2001. The Shrine was Consecrated July 4, 2022. He is a former member of the Archdiocesan Council, the Lay Leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Americas. He is an Archon of The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the world’s oldest Lay Religious Organization and a recipient of the Medal of St. Paul, the Highest Honor a lay person may receive from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Mr. Mehiel Resides in New York City with his wife Karen.

Bret Stephens is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist with the New York Times, and the honoree is Dennis Mehiel, Principal Shareholder and Chairman of U.S. Corrugated, Inc. Stephens joined The New York Times as an Op-Ed columnist in April 2017. Mr. Stephens came to The Times after a long career with The Wall Street Journal, where he was most recently deputy editorial page editor in charge of international opinion and, for 11 years, the paper’s principal foreign-affairs columnist. Before that, he was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post. At The Post he oversaw the paper’s news, editorial, digital and international operations, and also wrote a weekly column. He has reported from around the world and interviewed scores of world leaders.

Mr. Stephens is the author of “America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and the Coming Global Disorder,” released in November 2014. He is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including three honorary doctorates, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. In 2022, the government of Russia banned him for life from visiting that country. He was raised in Mexico City and holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an MSc. from the London School of Economics. He and his wife, Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, a music critic and entrepreneur, live near New York City and have three children.

To register for this event, or for more information including sponsorship opportunities visit the HHREC website hhrecny.org , email benefit@hhrecny.org or call 914.696.0738.

Teachers From Westchester and Across the U.S. Attend HHREC Summer Educators’ Tour of Germany and Poland

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 01:52:00 GMT

Social studies and English teachers from Westchester County joined with others from across the U.S. for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Educators’ Study Tour of Holocaust museums and historic sites in Germany and Poland this summer.

Co-Director of Education Steve Goldberg and professional tour guide Gerrit Book led a two-week series of educational seminars designed to offer insight into the history of the Jewish Community in Germany and Poland, trace the origins of the Holocaust, and tour monuments and memorial sites. The tour included stops at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Warsaw Ghetto, and Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp in Oranienburg, Germany.

Teachers who participated in this educational tour of historic sites earned 90 CTLE hours for completing the program, and those from the Lower Hudson Valley received a $2,100 honorarium.

“Our sponsorship of this educational mission enables our teachers to enhance their understanding of this dark period in human history by literally ‘walking the walk’ where the Holocaust was conceived and implemented.” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Co-Director of Education. “They also can see how the perpetrators have memorialized their victims through unique monuments. This life-changing experience will impact their teaching in the years to come.”

For more information about HHREC and the education programs they offer, visit the HHREC website hhrecny.org .

HHREC Co-Director of Education Steve Goldberg leads Kaddush at Ruins of Crematorium at Auschwitz.

HHREC Executive Director Quoted in News Story on New York Law To Survey Schools on How They Teach About Holocaust

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:57:00 GMT

New York is launching a survey to ensure all public schools are adequately teaching about the Holocaust, according to a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last Wednesday, August 9th. Read the article here that includes a quote from our Executive Director Millie Jasper.

Leah Eisenberg Elected to Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Board of Directors

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:58:00 GMT

White Plains, NY July 28th, 2022 – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced that Leah Eisenberg has joined their Board of Directors. Eisenberg is a partner in Mayer Brown, a New York City Law firm, and she is a member of the firm’s Restructuring practice. Leah’s practice focuses on counseling clients in default, restructuring, bankruptcy and corporate trust matters, with an emphasis on indenture trustee and creditor representations.

“In furtherance of the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, ‘repair the world’, and as a third-generation survivor, personal and community healing and prevention starts with teaching and learning the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights. I am honored to be part of the HHREC family and board, where their dedication to teaching and learning these lessons through unique educational programs contributes to the great need for Holocaust and related human rights education and awareness.”

Eisenberg has been recognized by The Best Lawyers of America, and was the recipient of the NYIC Women’s Division Executive of the Year Award, among other honors. She earned her Doctorate in Law from the Brooklyn Law School, and earned a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Law from Binghamton University. Eisenberg is a graduate student at Kean University where she is enrolled in the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Master’s Degree program.

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Leah Eisenberg to our Board.” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “She brings a tremendous level of energy and experience to our organization. We are very excited to have her join us in our efforts to promote human rights community here in the greater New York area.”

HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest 2022

Tue, 31 May 2022 13:23:00 GMT

May 24, 2022 – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their second annual White Rose Student Research Contest for 2022 for 7th-12th grade students in the greater Westchester County NY area. The 2021/2022 contest theme was Auschwitz and the Hungarian Deportations.

This year, HHREC honored students and teachers from Irvington High School, Westchester Day School and Woodlands Middle/High School via Zoom. Participating students who chose to compete in the project submitted essays or original documentaries based on research of primary source and secondary source materials. Student and teacher entries included:

7th and 8th Grade Finalists – Rachel Tratt, Westchester Day School; Jake Morton, Woodlands Middle School, and Annshiya Pulikkottil Sam, Woodlands Middle School.

11th and 12th Grade Finalist – Alexandra Pollack, Irvington High School

Sponsoring Teachers – Christopher Barry, Irvington High School; Kasie Peralta, Woodlands Middle School; and Jill Rivel, Westchester Day School.

This contest is sponsored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and it is named in memory of the White Rose, a resistance movement consisting of German university students. The project commemorates the efforts of the brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in. HHREC is encouraging teachers to utilize this writing contest as a classroom exercise.

“We are pleased at the response we received this year from area teachers and their students about the program we have developed to further their knowledge of the Holocaust.” said Julie Scallero, Co-Director of Education, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. “This project commemorates the efforts of brave young people during the Holocaust who gave their lives for what they believed in. May their memories inspire us to reflect upon our own responsibilities as citizens in a democratic nation.”

Winning entries for the HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest were identified by a panel of Blue-Ribbon judges that included Richard Berman, Ph.D. Muma College of Business, University of South Florida; Debbie Lewis, HHREC GenerationsForward speaker; Elena Procario-Foley, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies, Iona College; Debbie Minchin HHREC Educators Program Committee; and Audrey Reich Art Specialist, The Birch Wathen Lenox School

The top prize winner in each age level was awarded a cash prize, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner was awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.

HHREC Hosts Student Contest to Promote Genocide Awareness

Wed, 18 May 2022 14:34:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) recently held their annual Genocide Awareness Student Contest in commemoration of April as Genocide Awareness and Prevention month. This event invited students to create an original project in visual arts, poetry, music, or other media of artistic expression that commemorates an aspect of a genocide which occurred in the 20th or 21st century.

HHREC received 70 projects from eight different schools, including 3 from outside the Westchester County area – Rotolo Middle School in Illinois, Greenwich High School in Connecticut and South Kamloops Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada.

Schools participating in Westchester included Byram Hills High School, Horace Greeley High School, New Rochelle High School, Somers High School and Valhalla High School.

Winning entries for the HHREC 2022 Genocide Awareness Month Student Contest were awarded by grade level in four categories as follows:

Grades 7 & 8:

First Place was presented to William Hampson, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois, for Original Art “Targeted” meant to represent the innocent people targeted during the Cambodian Genocide.

Second Place was presented to Charlotte Johansen, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois, for Original Art “The Pink Triangle” depicting the LGBTQ community targeted by Hitler during the Holocaust.

Third Place was presented to Kaia Olberg, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois, for Original Art and Poem “Holodomor: We Will Remember” depicting the Ukrainian Famine of the 1930s.

Honorable Mention was presented to Jane Lishamer, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia Illinois, for Original Art “1.5 Million” memorializing the Cambodians killed by Pol Pot in the 1970s; Evan Bonnet, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois, for Original Sculpture “Persistence and Strength” of a hand symbolizing how the Tutsis reached out to the world for help during the Rwandan Genocide but none came; and Lily Enos, Rotolo Middle School, Batavia, Illinois, for Original Art “The Pink List” using rainbow stripes and symbols to represent homosexuals killed during the Holocaust.

Grade 9

First Place was presented to Maya Antipov, Greenwich High School, for Original Art “Left Behind” commemorating the victims of the war in Syria.
Second Place was presented to Benjamin Adovasio, Greenwich High School for Original Art Display “The Ukrainian Conflict Memorial” commemorating the current atrocities taking place in Ukraine.
Third Place was presented to Sasha Peterson, Greenwich High School, for Original Art “The Hidden Genocide” depicting the Rohingya minority targeted by the government of Myanmar.
Honorable Mention was presented to Lorenzo Pugliese, Greenwich High School, for “The Uyghurs” a video depicting genocidal actions currently being taken by the Chinese government against this ethnic minority.

Grade 10

First Place was presented to Arianna Garcia, Byram Hills High School, for Original Art “The Price of Uyghur Labor” depicting the actions of the Chinese government against the Uyghurs.
Second Place was presented to Olivia Sherman, Somers High School, for Original Art “Auto-Genocide” memorializing the Victims of the Cambodian Genocide.
Third Place was presented to Tori Suarez, Somers High School, for Original Art “A Woman’s Perseverance” memorializing the women of Darfur, Sudan who have been victims of sexual assault and torture.
Honorable Mention was presented to Eileen Weisner, New Rochelle High School, for Original Poem “Is There a Choice” inspired by Elie Wiesel’s memoir, Night; Jackson Forsberg, Somers High School, for Original Poem, “It Should Not Be This Way” memorializing the victims of the Bosnian Genocide; and Mia Vieira, Horace Greeley High School, for Original Poem, “Preservation” commemorating the female victims of the Holocaust.

Grades 11 & 12

First Place was presented to Claire Nevin, South Kamloops Secondary School, British Columbia, Canada for Original Art “Hope and Despair” depicting the butterfly which was a meaningful symbol to the people impacted by the Srebrenica Massacre during the Bosnian Genocide.

Second Place was presented to Ash Bruce, South Kamloops Secondary School, British Columbia, Canada, for Original Painting “We Were Children” depicting the ongoing indigenous genocide in Canada.

Third Place was presented to Carly Orozco, South Kamloops Secondary School, British Columbia, Canada, for Original Poem/Art Display “Share the Stories As We Must Not Forget” commemorating the Holodomor.

Honorable Mention was presented to Katie Chong, Valhalla High School, for Original Poem “Bashert” Meant to Be”, documenting the life of a Holocaust survivor.

“It is extremely important for young people to learn about genocide, which has been perpetrated at least as long as humans have been recording history” said Julie Scallero, Co-Director of Education at HHREC. She added “The HHREC believes this project provides students a unique opportunity to raise awareness about a genocide, and remember those who were lost as a result. All of the projects we received reflected originality, creativity and authenticity. We were very pleased and honored to have local, regional, national and international participation this year, and look forward to extending our program even more next year.”

Pictured (L to R):
Greenwich High School 9th Grade Student Award Winners Lorenzo Pugliese, Benjamin Adovasio, Maya Antipov
Photo credits: Courtney Hawes, Kathleen Mendez, Innovation Lab Humanities Teachers, Greenwich High School)

Photo credit: Mia Antipov Project- First Prize – Grade 9

Purchase College and Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Co-Sponsor Screening of Holocaust Historical Film and Talk with Producer Nancy Spielberg

Thu, 12 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Purchase College State University of New York and the the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) co-sponsored a screening of a documentary film and talk with Executive Producer Nancy Spielberg on April 26 ^th at the Humanities Theater on the campus of Purchase College.

Attendees watched the screening of the film Who Will Write our History and participated in a lively Q&A period moderated by HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper about the making of the film with Spielberg. The film was about the story set in November of 1940, days after the Nazis sealed 450,000 Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, a secret band of journalists, scholars, and community leaders decided to fight back. Led by historian Emanuel Ringelblum and known by the code name Oyneg Shabes, this clandestine group vowed to defeat Nazi lies and propaganda not with guns or fists but with the ultimate weapon: the truth.

Nancy Spielberg and Millie Jasper (LtoR)

HHREC and Westchester Jewish Council Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration Draws Crowd at Garden of Remembrance

Mon, 09 May 2022 17:18:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish Council came together to co-sponsor the annual Countywide Yom Hashoah Commemoration Keeping the Memory Alive on April 28th at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, NY.

HHREC Chairman Michael Gyory greeted attendees and spoke about the importance of the Westchester community in coming together to commemorate Yom Hashoah, a “Day of Remembrance” amid global developments. An invocation was delivered by Bishop Mary Glasspool, Episcopal Diocese of New York, and the program included remarks by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who spoke about the need to avoid blaming a single person for the Holocaust or the war in Ukraine, and the importance of being an “upstander” to safeguard against dictators, today and in the future.

A keynote speech was delivered by Rabbinic Pastor Dr. Aliza Erber, a daughter of a Holocaust Survivor and member of the HHREC Speakers Bureau, who shared a story of how her mother had to give her away as a young child to live in an underground bunker and how she survived to ultimately reunite with her after the end of WWII.

Following her speech, the program continued with a candle lighting by a group of Somers High School Holocaust Commission Student Winners, including Jaiden Donovan, Eowyn Keenan, Sarah Cassidy, Olivia Sherman, Sebastian Wissa, Tori Suare and Taylor Luks. The program concluded with remarks by William Schrag, President of the Westchester Jewish Council.

Photo Credits: Julie Rothschild

HHREC to Honor Byram Hills School District Teacher with Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award at Iona College Event

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 18:18:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will honor Jennifer Laden, Social Studies Department Chair 6-12 of Byram Hills Central School District in Armonk as the 20 ^th annual Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award to be presented at the annual William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration Event at Iona College on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. This live, in-person event co-sponsored by HHREC will be offered at the Iona College School of Business at 715 North Ave. in New Rochelle, NY.

Susan Goldberg was a dedicated English teacher at Westlake Middle School in Thornwood and a charter member of the Educators Planning Committee of the HHREC. She was also a Museum Fellow at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and received the New York State Education Department Louis B. Yavner Award as Outstanding Holocaust and Human Rights Educator. As a living testimony to her passion to eradicate hatred and bigotry through education and her personal courage to rise above adversity this award was established in 2003 in loving memory to be presented annually to an educator in the Westchester County area who has made distinguished contributions to their school and community on teaching about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights.

Throughout her career as a social studies teacher and supervisor, Jennifer Laden has promoted global understanding through her development and teaching AP Human Geography and AP World History courses. As one of the developers of the three-year Global Scholars program at Byram Hills, she spearheaded the design of curricular units to help students understand important human rights issues, teaching them about the Uighur Muslims in China, the Rohingya in Myanmar, and the refugee crises in Syria and Yemen. Laden has encouraged student partnerships with the HHREC, from welcoming survivors of the Holocaust to the high school to accompanying students to the annual High School Human Rights Institute, she has been instrumental in helping students understand the mission of the HHREC. This year, three BHHS students were recognized at the Institute for their commitment to human rights, community service, and racial equity, a testament to the profound impact Jen’s work has had on the Global Scholars program and school community. In addition, students at Byram Hills HS have participated annually in the Living History Project (matching students with Holocaust survivors). As her colleagues have so aptly commented, she “ … understands that the world is a better place when we treat each other with dignity and respect.”

Upon notification of Jen Laden’s honor, Byram Hills Superintendent of Schools Jen Lamia remarked, “Thank you and the Board of Directors of the HHREC for recognizing Jen Laden for her work teaching about human rights and the violations that perpetuate adversity. Your recognition of her work means so much to all of us here in Byram Hills.”

HHREC Statement on Ukraine

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:02:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) strongly condemns Russia’s continuous and abhorrent attack on Ukraine. We are deeply concerned about the death of innocent civilians and the plight of Ukrainian refugees. In his justification of the invasion, Vladimir Putin has misrepresented Holocaust history by claiming that Ukraine needed to be “denazified.”

HHREC supports the Ukrainian people, including many Holocaust survivors still living in the country. Having suffered under both Nazism and Communism, today the Ukrainian people, under the inspired leadership of its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seek to sustain their desire to remain an independent, democratic nation.

We call upon world leaders to continue support for Ukraine and denounce Russia for its unprovoked invasion.

Michael Gyory, Chairperson

Millie Jasper, Executive Director

William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration Event – Despite the Holocaust, Can We Believe in the Possibility of Progress?

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 18:32:00 GMT

Apr 27, 2022 7:00PM—9:00PM

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will co-sponsor a live, in-person event on April 27th at 7pm at the LaPenta School of Business at Iona College featuring Dan McMillan.

The title of the program is: “Despite the Holocaust, Can We Believe in the Possibility of Progress?” That the world’s most literate society perpetrated the Holocaust challenges our faith in humanity’s capacity for moral progress. And today, a pandemic, climate change, and the dire state of our country’s politics can lead us into outright despair. Nonetheless, historian Dan McMillan argues that if we understand the many factors necessary to making the Holocaust possible, despite its inescapable horror we can retain some hope for the future of humankind.

Author of the acclaimed How Could This Happen: Explaining the Holocaust (Basic Books, 2014), Dan McMillan leads Save Democracy in America, a non-partisan campaign to break the power of big money in politics, and restore government by the people. Learn more at savedemocracyinamerica.org .

The event will also include a presentation of the HHREC 20 ^th annual Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award to Jennifer Laden, Social Studies Department Chair 6-12 of Byram Hills Central School District in Armonk.

For more information, contact Dr. Elena Procario-Foley at Eprocariofoley@iona.edu .

Students Inspired By Holocaust Survivor and Olympic Champion Speakers At Annual HHREC High School Human Rights Institute Event

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 17:39:00 GMT

Over 300 students and teachers from 33 schools in Westchester, Putnam and Long Island NY, and Fairfield County CT attended the annual Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) High School Institute virtual event on March 16th. This year’s event featured intimate talks and Q&A with Holocaust Survivor Judith Altman and Olympic Fencing Champion Peter Westbrook. HHREC Student Institute workshops were led by experienced student facilitators to encourage open discussions, as teachers encouraged students to engage as activists or “Upstanders” in response to human rights causes.

The program began with an inspiring talk and exchange with Peter Westbrook, who spoke about the many challenges he faced as a minority youth in a sport which had known virtually no diversity, and the many lessons he learned. The event culminated with a talk and Q&A with Holocaust Survivor Judith Altmann, a member of the HHREC Speakers Bureau. Altmann spoke about her story of survival as she recounted the horrors of the Holocaust from her time at Auschwitz concentration camp, surviving a “death march” which ended in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, and her indomitable will to live to become a proud citizen of the United States.

Students were also recognized for their work in promoting human rights in their schools.

The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was awarded to Emily Hollander, Byram Hills High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.
The Neil Ginsberg Student “Upstander Award” was presented to Jessica Sabau, Ossining High School, in memory of the contributions and commitment made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.
The Andy Cahn Student “Community Service” Award was presented to Hallie Gordon and Dylan Schimel, Byram Hills High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

“We were very pleased at the response from area teachers and students who joined us for our program this year” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Co-Director of Education. She added “It was very inspiring to hear from the students who were so well-prepared, and see their reactions as they heard firsthand testimonials from Judith as she shared her spellbinding story of survival, and from Peter about his amazing and powerful story of his struggle to fulfill his life goals. We believe their powerful messages will resonate for years as they help guide young minds to become more active about human rights issues, now and in the future.”

Participating schools included Ardsley High School, Blind Brook High School, Byram Hills High School, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Dobbs Ferry High School, Eastchester High School, Edgemont High School, German International School, Harrison High School, Hastings High School, Horace Greeley High School, Irvington High School, John Jay High School, Mahopac High School, Mamaroneck High School, New Rochelle High School. North Rockland High School, North Salem High School, Ossining High School, Peekskill High School, Pelham Memorial High School, Pine Bush High School, Pleasantville High School, Ridgefield High School, Rocky Point High School, Rye Neck High School, Scarsdale High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Somers High School, The Leffell School, The Ursuline School, Westchester Youth Alliance and White Plains High School.

HHREC Board of Directors Member Appointed to Serve as General Counsel Department of U.S. Navy

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:13:00 GMT

White Plains, NY February 16 ^th , 2022 – John P. “Sean” Coffey has been appointed by the U.S. Senate to become General Counsel of the Department of the Navy . Mr. Coffey was nominated as general counsel by President Joe Biden in August 2021. He is a retired Navy captain and former federal prosecutor. Mr. Coffey served on the Board of Directors of White Plains-based Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.

“With admiration and in friendship, our Board of Directors and staff wish the very best to Sean Coffey” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. She added “ Sean has been a valuable member of the Board of Directors for over 11 years, and although we will miss his guidance and support, we know he will make an outstanding contribution in service as General Counsel of the Department of the Navy.”

A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Mr. Coffey served as an active-duty naval flight officer, hunting Soviet submarines during the Cold War, and as a junior staff officer at the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, at which time he entered the evening J.D. program at Georgetown Law. While earning his law degree, he also served as the personal military assistant to Vice President George H.W. Bush. He left active duty to pursue his legal career in New York but remained in the Navy Reserve for 18 years, retiring in 2004 at the rank of captain. The Department of the Navy Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has more than 800 civilian lawyers in 140 offices and is the second-largest civilian law department in the federal government (DOJ is the largest).

“Sean has been a tremendous and longtime board member. He has been a great resource for me and our entire board” said Michael Gyory, Chairperson of the HHREC Board of Directors. “We are very pleased to know he will be serving our country in this new, important role. Our loss is the U.S. Navy’s gain.”

STATEMENT FROM JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS CONDEMNING AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-UK REPORT

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:02:00 GMT

We, the subscribing organizations representing the broad mainstream of the New York Jewish community, condemn and reject the report of Amnesty International UK, which attempts to label Israel as an apartheid state and undermine its right to exist as a democratic state and a homeland for the Jewish people. The report is brimming with substandard analysis, factual inaccuracies and consistently omits and distorts context in order to demonize Israel and denigrate its vibrant democracy.

The State of Israel and its government are not beyond criticism. We are mindful of the vigorous Israeli discourse concerning the achievement of greater equality for its diverse citizenry, especially Palestinian citizens of Israel. We recognize the essential work of many local and international human rights groups in contributing to these important conversations, and those concerning the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Yet, while discussions regarding the shortcomings of governments and their policies are found in democracies worldwide, Amnesty UK’s report goes well beyond that in portraying Israel’s very existence as illegitimate. Indeed, Israel’s right to exist is enshrined in U.N. Resolution 181. Furthermore, the report’s conclusions parrot the outrageous demands of the BDS movement by advocating policies that would eliminate Israel’s ability to remain a democratic state and a homeland for the Jewish people, and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be built upon a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding. Amnesty UK’s agenda-driven anti-Israel screed and deliberate distortion of facts should be rejected by those committed to Israel’s well-being, to the rights of Palestinians, and to a future of peace between Israelis and Palestinians

HHREC Executive Director Joins Westchester County Executive For Press Conference to Commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:40:00 GMT

On Thursday, January 27th, Westchester County Executive George Latimer was joined by HHREC Executive Director MIllie Jasper and Westchester Jewish Council CEO Elliot Forchheimer to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau —as International Holocaust Remembrance Day . On this annual day of commemoration, the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

Westchester County Latimer said: “It’s important to know the horrors inflicted in the Holocaust, which have been well-documented, must never be forgotten. This story must be told from generation to generation so we never repeat the acceptance of hatred and genocide. We must make sure this never happens again.”

Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center Millie Jasper said: “This is so important to bring awareness and we are grateful to the County Executive for supporting proper Holocaust education in Westchester County.”

C EO of the Westchester Jewish Council Elliot Forchheimer said: “We say never again. Never again may the atrocities of the Holocaust be tolerated. Never again, not here, not there, not anywhere and not in our great County of Westchester.”

The Westchester County Center was lit up in yellow to commemorate this day, along with other locations across New York State including Niagara Falls, the Mario Cuomo Bridge, and One World Trade Center.

To view the event on video visit Press conference

Event coverage in The Jewish Post

HHREC to Host Second Annual White Rose Student Competition

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:24:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) will host the second annual White Rose Student Research Contest for 2022. This competition is open to 7th-12th grade students in the greater Westchester County NY area. The 2021/2022 contest theme is Auschwitz and the Hungarian Deportations.

Participating students who compete in the project will submit essays or documentaries based on research of primary source and secondary source materials and additional guidelines provided on the HHREC website. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2022. Teachers are required to email a list of participating students to Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org by February 4 ^th , 2022.

“We are pleased at the response we received last year from area teachers and their students about this program that we have developed to further their knowledge of the Holocaust.” said Julie Scallero, Co-Director of Education, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. “This project commemorates the efforts of brave young people during the Holocaust who gave their lives for what they believed in. May their memories inspire us to reflect upon our own responsibilities as citizens in a democratic nation.”

Student Competition Guidelines

Each participant is limited to one entry per year, and all projects will be evaluated on historical accuracy, development of content and theme, and original expression. Entries are accepted in three age divisions – 7-8th grade, 9-10th grade and 11-12th grades, and sponsoring teachers are limited to submitting no more than 10 papers per age division. Winning entries for the HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest will be identified by a panel of Blue-Ribbon judges and honored at a (virtual) reception in May. The top prize winner in each age level will be awarded a cash prize, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner will be awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.

For more information and to apply for the competition, visit White Rose Student Competition or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org or Robin Schamberg at rschamberg@hhrecny.org .

HHREC to Host Author Glenn Kurtz for Talk on Book – Three Minutes in Poland: Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:13:00 GMT

HHREC will host a Book Talk on March 8th starting at 7pm with Glenn Kurtz, author of Three Minutes in Poland: Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film . This book was named a best book of 2014 by NPR, The New Yorker , and The Boston Globe , and it has become a documentary. The story continues to resonate with many Holocaust Survivors and their families, and all of us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Glenn Kurtz is the author of Three Minutes in Poland: Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2014), which was named a “Best Book of 2014” by The New Yorker , The Boston Globe , and National Public Radio. The Los Angeles Times called the book “breathtaking,” and it has received high critical praise in The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , The San Francisco Chronicle , The Chicago Tribune , and many other publications. A Dutch translation appeared in 2015. A documentary film based on the book, Three Minutes—A Lengthening , directed by Bianca Stigter and co-produced by Academy Award-winner Steve McQueen, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2021 and has recently screened at the Telluride, Toronto, DOC NYC, and Sundance Film Festivals.

Glenn’s first book, Practicing: A Musician’s Return to Music (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007), also received enthusiastic reviews from The New York Times , The Los Angeles Times , The Wall Street Journal , and elsewhere. Practicing was featured on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” with Scott Simon, “To the Best of our Knowledge,” and many other public radio programs. An Italian edition appeared in 2010, and Chinese, Japanese, and Korean editions have been published recently.

A frequent public speaker, Glenn has presented keynote addresses at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (Washington D.C.); the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, Chapman University (Orange, CA); the Virginia Holocaust Museum (Richmond, VA); the University of California, Santa Barbara; the Jewish Historical Museum (Amsterdam, The Netherlands); The Wiener Library (London, U.K.); the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Warsaw, Poland), and at smaller venues from Anchorage, Alaska, to Boca Raton, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, to East Machias, Maine.

For four years, he hosted “Conversations on Practice,” a discussion series about the writing process and the writer’s life. Guests included Patti Smith, Martin Amis, Jennifer Egan, Adam Gopnik, Francine Prose, Tom McCarthy, Dani Shapiro, Daniel Mendelsohn, and Rebecca Newberger-Goldstein, among many others.

Glenn is a 2019-2022 Presidential Fellow at Chapman University, Orange, CA, and the recipient of a 2016-2017 John Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. A graduate of Tufts University and the New England Conservatory of Music, he holds a PhD from Stanford University in German studies and comparative literature. He has taught at Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and is currently on the faculty at The Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. He lives in New York City and has just completed both a novel and a book of nonfiction about the Empire State Building.

To register visit our events page or for more information about the author, visit www.glennkurtz.com

HHREC Hosts Westchester Social Studies Teachers Holocaust Education Seminar

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 19:10:00 GMT

How do you decide what facts to include in a history textbook? How do the facts not included change the narrative? How do you tackle teaching the topic of the Holocaust? A diverse group of teachers from Westchester County grappled with these issues and more during a recent day-long educational seminar hosted by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) in White Plains, NY, the Westchester Lower Hudson Council of Social Studies teachers, and The Yeshiva University Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center at Yeshiva University.

More than 20 High School and Middle School History and Social Studies teachers from Westchester County engaged in the program that was based on New York State – mandated guidelines for Social Studies curriculum for high schoolers, and provided professional development credits to the teachers. During the seminar, teachers including Susan Chester of the Eastchester School District, President of the Westchester Lower Hudson Council for the Social Studies participated in hands-on activities including an exercise playing the role of a history textbook author. Each teacher was tasked with ranking in order the important contributing factors as they developed historical narratives from different points of view.

The program featured guest lecturer Dr. Shay Pilnik, Director of the Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Participating schools included:

Briarcliff High School

Byram Hills High School

Eastchester Middle School

HC Crittenden Middle School

Hommocks Middle School

Iona Prep Lower School

Mahopac High School

New Rochelle High School

Peekskill Middle School

Pelham Memorial High School

Valhalla High School

Woodlands Middle High School

Sleepy Hollow Middle School

“For an educator, the greatest challenge in teaching Holocaust is not the transmission of the facts – these are well-established and well-documented” said Dr. Pilnik. He added: “The hardest part is to put these facts together into a story, a narrative, and understand the most fundamental question, which lies at the core of Holocaust education – why?”

According to Steve Goldberg, Co-Director of the HHREC, “The teachers welcomed the chance to be students again, and left the day armed with tangible lesson plans that could be used in the classroom, a list of additional online resources, and a broader understanding of the key elements of the Holocaust.”

This program was developed and led by Steven Goldberg and Julie Scallero, Co-Directors of the HHREC; Lois Roman, Sari Sheinfeld and Dr, Shay Pilnik from the Fish Center at Yeshiva University; and Westchester Lower Hudson Council of Social Studies teachers. The program partners emphasized the need to shape and reshape Holocaust education in the 21st century as a key element to keep the subject relevant in today’s world, and expressed how important designing innovative educational modules for teaching the basics about the Holocaust is in today’s modern culture. Recent surveys have shown that young Americans retention of Holocaust facts is quite low.

The missions of the HHREC and the Fish Center include presenting and promoting local community educational opportunities which offer lessons from the Holocaust to protect the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. These organizations present the Holocaust as a unique event in history which should be studied by all young people to help improve the world’s level of tolerance.

HHREC Speakers Bureau Featured in Westchester Magazine Article on International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2022

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 19:14:00 GMT

Thank you to our friends at the Westchester Magazine including June Hersh, the author of this profoundly powerful and timely article, as we prepare for our commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th.

HHREC 7th Annual Middle School Institute

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:11:00 GMT

Thank you to our participating schools, including: Albert Leonard Middle School in New Rochelle, Briarcliff Middle School; Denzel Washington School of the Arts in Mt. Vernon; Dobbs Ferry Middle School; Eastchester Middle School; Fieldstone Middle School; The French American School; the German International School; H.H. Wells Middle School, Highlands Middle School, Isaac E. Young Middle School ; Pleasantville Middle School; Port Chester Middle School; and Woodlands Middle School. Despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic, we really appreciate the support from these schools to help us connect with their students about important issues like this!

We were very pleased at the tremendous response from area schools to our 7th annual Middle School Institute, as our Co-Director of Education Julia Scallero worked closely together with them on this program to promote awareness of human rights issues and help empower students to take action in their schools. A special thank you to our good friend Sheila Arnold , CEO and Lead Performer of History’s Alive! for her incredibly moving speech and impersonation.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Offers Annual Middle School Institute Program for Area Students

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:15:00 GMT

“We are very pleased to continue offering this program to area middle schools this year” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Co-Director of Education. Despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic, we really appreciate the support from these schools to help us connect with their students about important issues.”

The Human Rights Institute for Middle School Student Leaders is intended to further the mission of the HHREC by laying the foundations to encourage students to become upstanders rather than bystanders. The two main themes of the Institute are Respecting the Individual and How to Be an Upstander.

Seventh grade students from invited middle schools will be attending our Seventh Annual Middle School Institute. A keynote presentation establishes the focus of the program: the importance of confronting prejudice and discrimination. Small group workshops, facilitated by middle school teachers, examine the two central themes through activities and discussions. Then, students in their own school groups with their teacher meet to develop two activities to use in their school reflecting the themes of Respecting the Individual and How to Be an Upstander.

For more information visit the HHREC website at HHRECNY.org or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org .

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center will offer their annual Middle School Institute online on Tuesday, November 16th, Wednesday, November 17th and Thursday, November 18th, 2021. This educational program provides area students and teachers an opportunity to promote awareness of human rights issues and empowers them to take action in their schools.

This year, participating schools include: Albert Leonard (New Rochelle), Briarcliff; Denzel Washington School of the Arts (Mt. Vernon); Dobbs Ferry; Eastchester; Fieldstone (North Rockland); French American School; German International School; H.H. Wells (Brewster); Highlands (White Plains); Isaac E. Young (New Rochelle); North Salem; Pleasantville; Port Chester; Valhalla; Westlake (Mt. Pleasant); and Woodlands (Greenburgh) middle schools.

Rescued Torah Scroll Finds New Home at Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:26:00 GMT

October 15, 202 – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC), a nonprofit organization that offers education programs in partnership with local schools to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust, has received a Rescued Holocaust Sefer Torah from the Yorktown Jewish Center. The HHREC will safeguard it at their library and education center in White Plains, New York. The Yorktown Jewish Center recently closed after 68 years in operation serving their congregation in the greater Yorktown Heights, New York area.

”We are incredibly honored and humbled by the generosity of our dear friends at the Yorktown Jewish Center to become caretakers for this Torah.” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC. “And while we are saddened to learn of the closing of the synagogue, we will work very hard to help them achieve their mission in sharing this unique artifact with teachers, students, and the public at large, as a living document to help us educate and inform.”

“It’s both gratifying and heartening to know that this precious item, our Torah, will continue to be used as intended, to educate and elevate the spirituality of all who partake of it. “ said Marvin Medow, one of the Co-Presidents of the Yorktown Jewish Center. “Our Torah has found a new home and the gift of its teachings will continue.”

Pictured: L to R: Marvin Medow, co-president, Yorktown Jewish Center ; HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper; and Michael Mirsky, co-president, Yorktown Jewish Center.

Rachel Greenspan Joins Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Board of Directors

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 22:28:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center of White Plains, NY has announced that Rachel Greenspan has joined their Board of Directors. Greenspan is Senior Director at GHP Office Realty, where she focuses on Sales, Acquisitions and Financing of GHP’s commercial portfolio throughout the greater Westchester area. Since her start at the company two years ago, she has been involved in closing transactions totaling over $140 million. Additionally, she works closely with GHP Asset Management on Major Capital Improvement projects across their properties. She is a registered New York State licensed real estate salesperson.

Prior to her real estate career, Greenspan spent more than five years in the fragrance industry as an Account Manager helping major companies develop their new product launches in the home & personal care categories. She has been recognized by The Fragrance Foundation as a Notable: a game changer and an up-and-coming talent in the industry.

“I am honored to be working with Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center and the Board of Directors to help promote these important societal messages” said Rachel Greenspan. “Now more than ever we need to bring light to these issues as well as work together to learn from the past and educate for a better future.”

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Rachel Greenspan to our Board.” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “She brings a tremendous level of energy and experience to our organization as a relationship-builder, and we are very excited to have her join us in our efforts to promote human rights and serve as an education leader here in the greater Westchester County area and, increasingly, across the U.S.”

Greenspan graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a concentration in Marketing. She was a member of Sigma Delta Tau, where she served on the Executive Board and Treasurer of the chapter. Greenspan is on the March of Dimes Real Estate Committee. A native of Westchester, she grew up in Chappaqua. Greenspan resides in New York City.

HHREC Fall Benefit to Feature Keynote Speaker Scott Shay, Founder and Chairman of Signature Bank

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:28:00 GMT

The HHREC Annual Fall Benefit will feature our keynote speaker Scott Shay, Founder and Chairman of Signature Bank, as we gather with our friends and colleagues to honor Andrew M. Greenspan, Principal, GHP Office Realty on October 28th at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.

Scott was a founder and has been Chairman of Signature Bank since its formation, which has grown organically from $50 million in assets and equity at its inception to $95 billion in assets. Signature Bank ranks among the top 25 largest U. S. commercial banks by assets. Since its IPO in 2004, Signature is among the top-performing U. S. banks, based on stock market performance and total return. Signature was ranked as the Best Bank in America for 2015 by Forbes . He is the author of Conspiracy U: A Case Study (Wicked Son, October, 2021)

Scott is a founder and chair of the Investment Committee of the Elah Fund, which is a social impact fund focused on investing in tangible industries in Israel. He was also a founding director of Super Derivatives, and Israeli startup company that was sold in 2014 to ICE. Super Derivatives was the largest sale ever of an Israeli financial technology company. Scott was also one of the lead negotiators for the group that privatized Bank Hapoalim and later served on its board.

Scott is actively involved in a Jewish formal and informal education. As part of his involvement, he serves or has recently served as a board member of the UJA – Jewish Federation of New York, the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, the Jewish Agency, the Gruss Life Monument Fund, the Birthright Israel Steering Committee and the American Hebrew Academy. He is past chair of the Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal of UJA – Jewish Federation, the Fund for Jewish Education (a joint venture of UJA and the Gruss Life Monument Fund) and Lapid Advisory Board Coalition of non-profit Israel Teen trip groups. Mr. Shay is the President of Chai Mitzvah. He, and his wife Susan, are the founders of the Jewish Youth Connection. He is the author of “Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry” (Devora, 2nd Edition 2008). Scott’s second book “In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism (Post Hill Press, September 2018) was a finalist for a Jewish Book Council Award and was named “one of the best books of 2018” by Mosaic Magazine.

He is a seasoned speaker and recently presented at TEDx Wall Street in NYC as well as The Economist’s World Summit, among many others. He has appeared on the CNBC and Fox television networks. Shay is considered an expert and respected commentator on lending to small and medium sized businesses, as well as on crypto currencies. Shay received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Northwestern University in 1979 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1980, he received a Master of Management degree from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

For more information, contact Millie mjasper@hhrecny.org or 914.696.0738.

HHREC Board Chairperson to Present at International Conference on Jewish Genealogy

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 20:01:00 GMT

HHREC Board Chairperson Michael Gyory will present next week at the 41st Annual IAJGS (International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies) International Conference on Jewish Genealogy. This virtual conference will be held from August 1st through the 5th, and will feature live-stream presentations as well as more than 100 pre-recorded, on-demand videos that will also become available for 60 days after the conference ends.

Sessions will cover virtually every aspect of Jewish genealogy and research, and will feature sessions on Early Jewish Settlers of the Americas, Innovative Methodology, Keepers of the Shoah Memory, Beginners Research, DNA Insights for Genealogy, and Heritage and Cultural Materials.

Registration and Conference program details can be found at www.iajgs2021.org . Ongoing information and questions will also be posted on the IAJGS Conference Discussion Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/IAJGS .

HHREC Co-Director of Education Steven Goldberg Completes Translation of Book On Working with Immigrant Children

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 01:54:00 GMT

HHREC Co-Director of Education Steven Goldberg recently completed the English translation of a book written for educators, teachers, students, and people involved in working with immigrant children. And I’m Still Alive: Stories About Arriving in Germany is based on the everyday social pedagogical work of the author, Kristina Sellmayr. The book relates vignettes about the arrival and adjustments of refugee children in Berlin, as they share their fears and dreams, strengths and weaknesses, successes, and setbacks. Despite all adversities, the narrations remain inspiring, as this groundbreaking work shows how loving care and openness strengthen children in using their abilities and shaping their future with dignity.

Those who are open to thinking outside the box when it comes to the topics of flight and integration, and to accepting the diversity of the realities of refugees’ lives will find the book enlightening. A second book MittenDRIN was published in June 2021. Goldberg will complete the translation in the coming year.

Sellmayr published the book in German under the title of “Und ich lebe doch! Geschichten über das Ankommen in Deutschland” in 2017. Goldberg’s English translation is available in both print and online version at https://vielfaltverlag.de/epages/cae376c2-ae2f-400f-8446-252c98287b70.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/cae376c2-ae2f-400f-8446-252c98287b70/Products/12_2021

HHREC Fall Annual Benefit to Honor Real Estate Leader Andrew Greenspan at Annual Fall Benefit

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 19:28:00 GMT

The HHREC will honor Andrew M. Greenspan, Principal, GHP Office Realty at our Annual Benefit on October 28th at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. Andrew Greenspan is a native New Yorker who has resided in Westchester for nearly his entire life. He is a graduate of Scarsdale High School, has a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College and a Master of Science from the Sloan School of Business at MIT. In 1999, he founded GHP Office Realty with James J. Houlihan. As Principal of GHP, he manages the daily operations of the White Plains based company, which began by acquiring and operating individual multi‐tenanted suburban New York office buildings. Since its beginning nearly 21 years ago, GHP Office Realty has acquired, financed, redeveloped, leased and managed over 125 buildings, and more than 7,000,000 square feet. The partners presently own and manage buildings in Westchester & Rockland County, Fairfield County, and Bergen County. Prior to Mr. Greenspan’s success at GHP Office, he was a Vice President at Mack Cali Realty, responsible for leasing and acquisitions of various large office projects both locally and nationwide. He started his career with the Westchester developer, Robert Martin Company. He began as a computer analyst in 1985 and had become an equity partner by the time the company sold itself to Mack Cali in 1998. Mr. Greenspan is a longtime Board Member of the Westchester Business and Professional Division of the UJA Federation. He is past recipient of the March of Dimes Real Estate Award. He is a member of the President’s Circle at the Sloan School/MIT and is member of the Founder’s Club at Hamilton College. Mr. Greenspan and his wife, Karen, currently reside in Chappaqua, New York and Kiawah Island, South Carolina. For more information, contact Millie mjasper@hhrecny.org or 914.696.0738.

Dan Joseph Joins Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Board of Directors

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:34:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center has announced that Dan Joseph has joined their Board of Directors. Mr. Joseph is the Co-founder and President of Corridor Ventures, a vertically integrated real estate investment company with client relationships and assets across the United States. Dan has primary responsibility for Corridor’s strategy and also leads Corridor’s efforts to raise investor and joint venture funding, managing its growing roster relationships with institutional and JV partners across the United States.

Mr. Joseph has a diverse background as a real estate entrepreneur and investor, having started four companies in the past 30 years. He began his career in structured real estate finance at Bankers Trust Company and worked in brand management for Procter and Gamble. Over the course of his career, he has developed expertise in structuring and negotiating acquisitions, raising capital, and allocating his firm’s capital across multiple opportunities. He is a member of the Connecticut chapter of YPO Gold and serves on the boards of Urban Squash of Hartford and Osterman & Company, and in addition serves on advisory committees at Tufts University, Kingswood Oxford School, the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, and Clairmont Capital Group, LLC. Joseph formerly served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Cobb School. He holds an MBA from Wharton and a BA from Tufts University. He is married with three children, and he currently resides in Bloomfield, CT.

“It is my belief that the work of HHREC is important, and I am proud of the work my dad has done to support and further the mission of the organization over the years.” said Joseph. He added “It has been an honor for me to contribute every year to support his efforts to transform HHREC into what it is today. I believe that I can add value over time, and I am proud to continue his legacy.”

”It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dan Joseph to our Board.” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “He brings a tremendous level of experience and knowledge to our organization as an entrepreneur and relationship-builder and follows the legacy of his father as a true partner and supporter in our success. We are very excited to have him join us in our efforts to grow HHREC as we promote human rights and serve as an education leader in the years ahead .”

HHREC Hosts Inaugural White Rose Student Competition

Thu, 27 May 2021 15:04:00 GMT

On May 20 ^th , the HHREC launched an inaugural White Rose Student Research Contest event for students grades 7 through 12 in the greater Westchester County area. This contest, named in memory of the White Rose, a resistance movement consisting of German university students, commemorated the efforts of these brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in.

This year’s contest theme was Propaganda, and participating students who competed submitted essays based on research of source materials provided on our website. Winning entries were identified by a panel of judges and honored at a virtual reception, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner were awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.

The 2021 White Rose Student Competition winning students from Woodlands Middle/High School included:

Grade 7 & 8 Winner – Sameeha Ahmed
Grade 7 & 8 Finalist – Jake Morton
Grade 9 & 10 Winner – Jeremy Morton

The sponsoring teacher was Kasie Peralta, who was also honored earlier this year with the HHREC Susan Goldberg Teacher Award.

“Kasie is dedicated to human rights education and determined to bring the lessons of the Holocaust and other human rights violations to her students” said Julie Scallero, CoDirector of Education at HHREC. “ She involves them in many other educational programs offered by HHREC including the Middle and High School Human Rights Institutes.”

New Children’s Book Featuring Stories of Survivors Published in German and English

Tue, 18 May 2021 18:29:00 GMT

The German International School New York has published a unique and powerful book for children grades 4 through 9 that can be read in either English or German. We Lived on Miracles- Stories of Holocaust Survivors was written to offer schools and educators a new resource for young people to read passages shared by Holocaust Survivors which include spellbinding stories from our HHREC Survivors Speakers Bureau. We invite you to download a digital copy of this special book.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Partners with Yeshiva University

Thu, 13 May 2021 17:44:00 GMT

May 13, 2021 – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has entered into a partnership with the Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University to further promote education programs, events and archived resources for schools and educators.

“We are very excited to be working with the Fish Center at Yeshiva University on this collaboration and partnership” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director at the HHREC. “Their University has taken a very important step in providing education on the Holocaust, and we look forward to working with them to promote and support their new education program for our growing community.”

“Holocaust Education, at its core, is character education – which is sorely needed in today’s world”, says Dr. Shay Pilnik, Director of the Fish Center. “With this new media series, students and adults will learn about leading edge initiatives from countries that were not directly involved in the Holocaust. We are grateful for the partnership with Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.”

The Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies strives to build a cadre of teachers, professional and lay leaders across the United States who are committed to Holocaust Education and Remembrance, ready to meet the challenges that the field is facing as survivors of the Holocaust are passing away and awareness of the subject in public memory is fading. Through courses, lectures, conferences, research and more, the Fish Center is dedicated to the study of the Shoah (Holocaust) from a perspective steeped in the history, culture, religion, and spiritual life of the Jewish civilization annihilated by the Nazis and their collaborators. They are also planning lectures, workshops, seminars and communal resources and activities to ensure that the Shoah and other genocides will continue to be remembered and further studied. By leveraging world renowned scholars and offering innovative programming for students and the public, this mission is to ensure that the Holocaust and other genocides are remembered. The Fish Center offers a Master’s degree program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights crimes to over 1,500 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations.

For more information, contact:

Millie Jasper, Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center mjasper@hhrecny.org 914.696.0738

Dr. Shay Pilnik, Director, Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University shay.pilnik@yu.edu 646.592.6825

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Announces New Board Members

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 23:49:00 GMT

April 13, 2021 – The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced their Board of Directors has elected Ziporah Janowski and Debby Ziering to join their board. Janowski and Ziering will serve three-year terms effective January 1, 2021.

“We are very pleased that Ziporah and Debby will be joining our board” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director at the HHREC. “They have each been very supportive and engaged with HHREC over the years as speakers in our community, and we look forward to working with them to promote and support key initiatives we have planned for 2021 and beyond.”

Ziporah Janowski is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and is a member of the HHREC Generation Forward Speakers Bureau, a group of second and third generation individuals sponsored by the HHREC. Her speeches have described what life was like as the American child of Polish Holocaust survivors and the lasting imprint being Holocaust survivors left upon her parents. She works with her husband David as Co-Owner and Director of Shane Fit Camps, a group of weight loss and wellness camps that operate throughout the United States. Previously she was a litigation attorney and worked with Marsh & McLennan Inc. and with Mercer Consulting, and she is a board member of Teatown Lake Reservation.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ziporah Janowski and Debby Ziering to our board at HHREC” said Michael Gyory, HHREC Board Chairperson. “They already play a very important role in our mission, and we are very excited to have them join our board to help us develop our plans to grow awareness of the important work we are doing, here in Westchester County, and, increasingly, across the country and around the world.”

Debby Ziering is also the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and member of the HHREC Generation Forward Speakers Bureau. Her speeches recount her father’s story from the perspective of a young teen and discusses how her father’s story has impacted her life. The Ziering family story is recounted in the Herman and Lea Ziering Archive Center at the Manhattan College Genocide and Multicultural Center in Riverdale, New York. Ziering co-teaches 8th grader at SAR Academy in the Names Not Numbers© Program, an oral history film project which enables students to interview Holocaust survivors to learn about World War II and create a documentary.

Students and Teachers Attend HHREC High School Institute Leaders Virtual Event Featuring Holocaust Survivor and Former White Supremacist

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:51:00 GMT

Over 600 students and teachers from 42 schools in the Westchester County NY and Fairfield County CT area attended the annual Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) Human Rights Institute for High School Leaders virtual event on March 18th. This year’s event featured intimate talks and testimonials by Holocaust Survivor Judith Altmann and former White Supremacist Derek Black. This event was established through partnerships between the HHREC and area schools as an educational platform to promote further awareness of human rights issues and provide instruction for students on how to empower them to take action in their schools and communities.

The HHREC Student Institute included workshops led by experienced student facilitators to encourage frank discussions. Participating schools were encouraged to help their students to engage in an activist response to human rights causes. This year’s honorees included:

The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was presented to Peyton DiSiena, Somers High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.
The Andy Cahn Community Service Award was presented to Ananya Sistla, Ardsley High School, in memory of the contributions and commitment made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.
The Neil Ginsberg Upstander Award was presented to Komal Samrow, Blind Brook High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to support the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

The event commenced with a welcome by Julie Scallero, Co-Director of the HHREC, and their Executive Director Millie Jasper, and was followed by Keynote speaker Derek Black, who shared his story of his public renunciation of white nationalism and chronicled his personal journey away from his family’s beliefs. Derek Black is the son of Don Black, the founder of the Stormfront online community and godson of former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke. His talk focused on human rights abuses and injustices, and the importance of youthful leadership in confronting prejudice and discrimination.

The program culminated with a one-hour presentation and Q&A with Holocaust Survivor Judith Altmann, a member of the HHREC Speakers Bureau. Altman spoke about her story of survival,
as she recounted the horrors of the Holocaust from her time at the Auschwitz concentration camp, surviving a “death march” that ended in a concentration camp, and her indomitable will to live, as she eventually became a proud citizen of the United States.

“We are very pleased at the response we received from area teachers and students who joined us online for our program this year” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Co-Director of Education. She added “It was so inspiring to see the students sharing their comments and questions for our keynote speaker on how to renounce racism, and to see their reactions as they heard the firsthand testimonial from Judith Altmann as she shared her spellbinding stories of survival. We truly believe their powerful messages will resonate strongly with students today who are increasingly aware of white nationalism and help guide them to become more active about human rights issues today.” The HHREC Student Institute was developed to further their mission by promoting student awareness of human rights issues on both local and global levels, and to empower students to be upstanders by creating and implementing Action Plans in their schools and communities. HHREC has organized and offered this event to Westchester County area students and teachers since 2002. Past events have been hosted in partnership with Iona College in New Rochelle.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Announces Schedule for Memory Keepers Story Hour

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 21:40:00 GMT

The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY, has announced their Spring 2021 Memory Keepers Story Hour. These events will be offered on a virtual online platform, and will feature HHREC Holocaust Survivors, Liberators, and GenerationsForward speakers – a second and third generation group that includes children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.

The event series started in January with Hannah Deutch, a Holocaust Survivor from the HHREC Speakers Bureau, as she shared intimate details about her extraordinary experience as witness to Kristallnacht, her transport on the Kindertransport, internment on the Isle of Man, and her career as a nurse.

Holocaust Survivor Hanna Deutsch appears on HHREC Virtual Event Program

The HHREC launched the Memory Keepers Story Hour series in 2020 in support of their mission – to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, to promote the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect, and to encourage speaking up and acting against all forms of hate, bigotry, and prejudice. The HHREC has been inviting guests to attend these events to hear members of their Speakers Bureau share their family’s uniquely powerful Holocaust experiences and present their testimonies to their origins. The HHREC Memory Keepers Speakers Bureau includes 26 Holocaust Survivors, 3 Honorary Holocaust Liberator Speakers, and 36 GenerationsForward Speakers who tell their stories from a “next generation” perspective, adding new meaning to the survivors’ powerful stories.

“These stories provide a unique opportunity to hear from a very special group of Survivors and next generation family members into the consequences of human hate, and help people reflect, as they realize that choices matter, that one person can make a difference” said HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper. She added “We are eternally grateful for the contributions from these courageous men and women who share their stories of survival and personal experiences from the Holocaust. Sadly, the number of our Survivors is dwindling, and we are taking great care to recognize what they mean to all of us and preserve their memories and the impact they have had – and will continue to have – for future generations.”

The HHREC Spring 2021 Memory Keepers Story Hour speaker series schedule includes:

March 11 – Debby Ziering, GenerationsForward

March 18 – Barbara Lewis Kaplan, GenerationsForward

April 15 – Kathy Grosz-Zaltas, GenerationsForward

April 22 – Wendy Sandler, GenerationsForward

April 29 – Michelle Gewanter, GenerationsForward

All virtual events begin at 7pm. To register for these events, email Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrecny.org for Zoom log-in information or call the HHREC at 914.696.0738.

White Rose Student Research Contest

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:44:00 GMT

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) announced its first annual White Rose Student Research Contest, open to 7th-12th grade students in the greater Westchester County NY area. The 2020-2021 contest theme is Propaganda.

Participating students who compete in the project will submit essays based on research of primary source and secondary source materials and additional guidelines provided on the HHREC website.

This contest is named in memory of the White Rose, a resistance movement consisting of German university students. The project commemorates the efforts of the brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in. HHREC is encouraging teachers to utilize this writing contest as a classroom exercise.

This contest is sponsored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center and an Anonymous Donor.

“We are pleased at the response we have received thus far from area teachers and their students about this new program we have developed to further their knowledge of the Holocaust” said Julie Scallero, Co-Director of Education, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. “This project commemorates the efforts of these brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in. May their memories inspire us to reflect upon our own responsibilities as citizens in a democratic nation.”

Student Competition Guidelines

Each participant is limited to one entry per year, and all projects will be evaluated on historical accuracy, development of content and theme, and original expression.

Entries are accepted in three age divisions – 7-8th grade, 9-10th grade and 11-12th grade.

Sponsoring teachers are limited to submitting no more than 10 papers per age division.

Winning entries for the HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest will be identified by a panel of Blue-Ribbon judges and honored at a (virtual) reception in May. The top prize winner in each age level will be awarded a cash prize, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner will be awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.

Teachers are required to email a list of participating students to the HHREC by March 8th, 2021. The deadline to submit entries is April 7 ^th .

For more information and to apply for the competition, visit the HHREC website at www.HHRECNY.org or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org or Robin Schamberg at rschamberg@hhrecny.org .

HHREC Newsletter Winter 2021 Edition

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 22:02:00 GMT

HHREC Board Chair Statement on Jan. 6th Capitol Riots

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:22:00 GMT

STATEMENT REGARDING VIOLENCE AT THE NATION’S CAPITOL

Over the last three years the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) has had to address several horrific incidents. The Tree of Life atrocity, the Christchurch New Zealand massacre and the murder of George Floyd are three examples. Each demonstrate humankind’s capacity for violence and intolerance. The HHREC is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and teaching its lessons. Our educational programs are intended to reduce the likelihood of future atrocities. Our goal is to preserve all peoples’ right to be respected and live in peace and security.

As a rule, we try, as best we can, to remain apolitical while still being true to our mission and values. No doubt, this can be a difficult line to draw.

Yesterday’s disaster has drawn us over the line.

I see no other way to characterize these events than as being instigated by the President of the United States, arguably, the most powerful man in the world.

The reality of Mr. Trump’s power places more, not less, responsibility on him as the leader of our Nation. The issues we confront as a Nation are clearly complex and run deep. They were not created over these last four years, nor will they be remedied over the next four. However, leadership matters. Words matter. Body language matters. The incendiary messages, both overt and implied, that have been utilized for political purposes, to galvanize and divide the country, have had a corrosive effect which culminated in yesterday’s tragedy.

Again, incredibly, incited by the President of the United States.

We cannot let this stand. It is no exaggeration to say that we are, and have been, on a slippery slope towards authoritarianism. The indicia of governmentally sanctioned violence have been multiplying right before our eyes. No amount of prosperity or power is worth its price. There will always be some significant minority of our country whose fear and intolerance overcome their humanity. It is our job, it is our duty, it is our obligation to defend our values against this onslaught.

As Elie Wiesel so eloquently taught us:
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must—at that moment—become the center of the universe,” in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on Dec. 10, 1986.

In anger and with hope,

Joseph Kaidanow
Chairman
Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

HHREC Executive Director Featured on Front Page News Story on False Parallel to Kristallnacht

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:35:00 GMT

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Receives Edward O’Brien Human Rights Education Award

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:16:00 GMT

We are honored to announce that we received an award from Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) for outstanding human rights education.

The Edward O’Brien Human Rights Education Awards are given annually by the HRE USA to an individual and an organization for outstanding contributions to human rights education in the United States. This year, we were the organization chosen to receive national recognition. Executive Director Millie Jasper accepted the award on our behalf at the ceremony held at the Roosevelt House in New York City. We are extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen and promise to continue our mission educating students about human rights issues through the lens of the Holocaust.

HHRECNY featured on News12

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 19:27:00 GMT

Rebecca Solomon from News12 attended our Survivor Open House member event and interviewed Holocaust Survivors Esther Geizhals and Peter Somogyi. Geizhals and Somogyi are both member of our Speakers Bureau and speak to thousands of students every year about their stories of survival.