In an era where historical accuracy and the lessons of the past are more critical than ever, the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation (MSHEF) is taking a proactive stance, empowering educators with vital resources to teach about the Holocaust. This commitment to fostering understanding and preventing hatred is especially relevant in New Jersey, a state that has long prioritized Holocaust and genocide education in its schools.
On August 26, the MSHEF will host a crucial free Teacher Resources Webinar, a virtual event designed to equip educators with classroom-ready tools and profound insights into the 2025 MSHEF Teacher Grant Program. This webinar represents a significant opportunity for teachers across the nation, and particularly those in New Jersey, to enhance their pedagogical approaches to this sensitive yet essential subject matter.
The webinar will feature compelling speakers from two influential organizations: Six Million Voices and Sharaka. Six Million Voices is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI voice cloning and immersive storytelling, to preserve and amplify the personal narratives of Holocaust victims. Their approach seeks to humanize the immense tragedy, ensuring that these individual stories resonate deeply with students and prevent the Holocaust from being reduced to mere statistics. By offering virtual tours and immersive experiences, they aim to make this vital history accessible and impactful for a global audience.
Sharaka, on the other hand, is dedicated to promoting tolerance and coexistence through Holocaust education, with a particular focus on the Middle East and the broader Muslim world. Inspired by their participation in the March of the Living, Sharaka facilitates programs that allow participants to learn firsthand about the Holocaust’s tragic lessons, thereby promoting values of tolerance and coexistence in their home countries. Their involvement in the webinar underscores the universal relevance of Holocaust education and its power to bridge divides and foster mutual respect across diverse communities.
The MSHEF Teacher Grant Program itself is a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission. These financial grants, available nationwide, empower schools and teachers to fund a variety of Holocaust-related learning materials, including books, field trips to museums, and even visits from Holocaust survivors. For educators in New Jersey, where Holocaust and genocide education is mandated from kindergarten through 12th grade, these grants offer invaluable support in fulfilling this critical requirement and enriching their curriculum. The applications for these grants open every August, with recipients notified in November, allowing them to utilize the funds during the current school year.
New Jersey has a long-standing commitment to Holocaust and genocide education. Since 1994, state law has mandated the inclusion of issues of bias, prejudice, and bigotry through the teaching of the Holocaust and other genocides. The New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, along with various regional resource centers at universities and community colleges, provides extensive support and resources for teachers to integrate these lessons effectively into their classrooms. From curriculum guides and materials to teacher training programs and speaker bureaus, New Jersey strives to ensure that students develop a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal historical event and its enduring lessons about human rights, tolerance, and the dangers of hatred.
The webinar’s focus on innovative tools and resources, coupled with the opportunity to apply for grant funding, provides a holistic approach to supporting educators. By collaborating with organizations like Six Million Voices and Sharaka, the MSHEF is not only providing practical assistance but also inspiring a more empathetic and globally aware generation. These efforts are crucial in combating misinformation, promoting critical thinking, and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to serve as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for both immense cruelty and profound resilience.
For those committed to nurturing a more humane and understanding society, supporting initiatives like the MSHE Foundation’s webinar and grant program is paramount. It’s an investment in education that extends far beyond the classroom, shaping minds and fostering a future built on respect and compassion.
To learn more about the diverse initiatives and organizations working to promote well-being, understanding, and human rights throughout the Garden State, visit our dedicated “Humane State” section at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/the-humane-state/.
