The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council is holding its 39th annual Youth Symposium on the Holocaust this March for local high school students.
More than 70 years after the Holocaust, religious hatred, racism and genocide still threaten our world. The life stories of Holocaust survivors transcend the decades and teach us about the need to be responsible citizens who help create a more just, accepting and diverse society. For this reason, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council is holding its 39th annual Youth Symposium on the Holocaust this March for local high school students.
“These students are the last generation who can learn these lessons directly from Holocaust survivors,” said Beth Razin, the Jewish Federation’s Manager of Holocaust and Israel Programs. “We encourage teachers to take advantage of this important opportunity during this year’s symposium.”
Symposium programs are being held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at four locations on four separate dates: St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia on Tuesday, March 8; West Chester University in West Chester on Thursday, March 10; Gratz College in Melrose Park on Monday, March 14; and Bucks County Community College in Newtown on Thursday, March 17. The St. Joseph’s location is already at capacity.
The program, which includes an introductory film, small group dialogues with Holocaust survivors and dynamic keynote presentations, is open to all Delaware Valley students in grades 9 through 12.
Professional development is being offered for teachers. The special session includes training with the “Echoes and Reflections” curriculum; all new teachers receive a free copy of the curriculum, which includes valuable information to help educators teach the complex issues of the Holocaust to today’s students.
Program participation costs $4 per student or teacher, and includes lunch. The last day to register is Wednesday, Feb. 10.
