5 Ways YOU Can Help KIF Reach Students
Partner With Us to Adapt Holocaust Education in a Changing World
Fact 1: Vile rhetoric is ramping up as people across political, socioeconomic, and philosophical persuasions become increasingly disillusioned with government officials and each other. Some Americans are turning their anger and frustration into expressions—both verbal and violent—of racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and other forms of baseless hatred.
Fact 2: Until more Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19, many students are being schooled online or in hybrid models that split online and in-person instruction. Those who are learning in classrooms are socially distanced and not permitted to attend field trips or welcome guest speakers to their schools.
Fact 3: One of the greatest strengths of Kol Israel Foundation’s Holocaust education programs is the in-person contact between Holocaust Survivors and/or their descendants and schoolchildren who have no personal connection to the Holocaust.
The pandemic has halted person-to-person interaction between Survivors, like Al Hersh, and students, but KIF is presenting the lessons of the Holocaust in a virtual format.
MISSION: POSSIBLE!
Holocaust education is just as essential—and, arguably, more so—during the current public health crisis. That is why KIF remains devoted to continuing and updating our Holocaust education programs, Face to Face® and Sharing Our Stories.
The pandemic prevents students from traveling to our exhibit in Beachwood and speakers from visiting schools. However, KIF continues to reach students wherever they are learning—whether at the kitchen table or in a traditional classroom. Our motivated speakers are presenting their personal or family stories online, accompanied by photographs, artifacts, and other visual aids. They are also leading discussions and answering students’ questions.
And you can help!
FIVE TO THRIVE
Please consider helping KIF educate the next generation about how the lessons of the Holocaust can compel students to be more tolerant, accepting, and compassionate citizens today. Together, we can foster in students a sense of personal responsibility for their actions and words.
Here are five ways you can assist KIF:
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If you teach Social Studies, Literature, Art, or Religion in grades 7-12, contact KIF Education Director Marianne Lax at mlax@kifcle.org to arrange a presentation for your students. Marianne can tailor the program to complement your curriculum.
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If you are not a teacher, encourage the educators in your life to speak with Marianne. Lobby your local school board to incorporate KIF’s programs into their lessons.
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If you are a Survivor, consider speaking to students. Marianne can help you with the technology—all you need is a computer with a stable Internet connection.
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If you are the descendant of a Survivor, confer with Marianne about assembling a presentation based on your mother’s or father’s Holocaust experience. She is always looking for volunteers to serve as docents and presenters.
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Consider a monetary donation to support KIF’s efforts to produce additional video presentations for online Holocaust education. Visit www.kifcle.org/donate and designate your gift to our Education Fund.
YOUR TURN
Tell us what you think is the most important goal of Holocaust education. What will you do to help KIF impart that message?
