Harnessing the power of memory and the lessons of history to positively impact our world today
Teaching about the Holocaust and genocide can seem daunting, especially given the seriousness of the events combined with the emotional impact it can have on students. For this reason, JFGI provides resources to educators to support the important work of teaching students about the Holocaust.
Curricular Resources
Materials to enrich your students' understanding of the Holocaust so that our memory of and the lessons gleaned from the Holocaust are not forgotten
Our traveling trunk program provides teachers with books, films, and multimedia presentations related to the Holocaust and other contemporary genocides.
We have compiled online resources that can be of use to you as you teach students about the Holocaust and related topics such as antisemitism, stereotyping, and refugees.
We offer access to further resources related to the Holocaust at the BJE Maurer Jewish Community Library, which is a member of the Indianapolis Library Shared System.
Holocaust Speakers Bureau
A network of volunteers is available to speak to school groups and organizations to share personal stories of the Holocaust. The personalized nature of a survivor or one of their relatives speaking to your group will have greater impact than any story read or lesson taught. By bringing a speaker to your school or organization, the Holocaust's impact on real people's lives becomes tangible.
Many of the speakers available to come to your group are second-generation survivors, meaning they tell their parents' story. Speakers may be available based on your group's proximity to Indianapolis and when the request is made There is no fee for speaking engagements but donations are welcome.
To enrich Holocaust education for local students, JFGI provides a variety of free field trips and educational experiences. Field trip opportunities for the 2019-2020 school year can be found below. If you are interested in arranging a field trip for your school, please contact Amber Maze at amaze@jfgi.org.
JFGI will be hosting the IHE's exhibit From the Children, About the Children, For the Children: Art and Writing of the Holocaust Exhibit during the months of January & February. This exhibit features children’s artwork, poetry and selections from an underground youth newspaper created during the Holocaust. This powerful and educational Holocaust exhibit speaks to the emotions that young people experienced as they confronted the Holocaust.
Albert Sara Reuben Holocaust Memorial Garden
Located on the Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus, the sculpture "Surviving Spirit" is the centerpiece of the Albert & Sara Reuben Holocaust Memorial Garden. Designed by sculptor and survivor Alfred Tibor, the sculpture is a single statement of the horror and triumph of the Jewish people. Guided tours are available in good-weather months (April through October of each year), frequently scheduled with a presenter from the Speakers Bureau.
