Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Upcoming education forum topics and dates at The Holocaust Education and Resource Center include the following:

Thursday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. —The Tuskegee Airmen: Fighting for the Right to Fight

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-Americans to fly in combat positions in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Their heroic service played a significant role in the eventual ending of segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.—“The Wave”: Theories about conformity and the Holocaust

“The Wave” was a classroom experiment carried out in a high school classroom in California in 1967. Its goal was to explore how the power of conformity made the crimes of Nazism possible. The story of “The Wave: has endured for decades and has been retold in several films and plays. This program will examine the original event as well as its impact on our understanding of the Holocaust.

Nov. 9, 6 p.m.—“Voices from Kristallnacht”

While Kristallnacht wasn’t the beginning of the Nazis’ Final Solution, it was a crucial turning point in the development of the Holocaust. This program will examine why the events of Nov. 9-10, 1938, were important, how people understood them at that time, and why they still resonate on the occasion of their 79th anniversary.

Dec. 7, 6 p.m. —Pearl Harbor and the Final Solution: What is the Connection?

The attack on Pearl Harbor is usually understood as the event that brought the U.S. into World War II. This is true, but it also had a shaping influence on the development of Nazi Germany’s anti-Jewish policies in Europe. This program will explore the connection between the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the development of the Final Solution.

There will also be four education forums in the 2018 spring semester. The dates are tentatively set for Jan 25, March 1, April 19 and May 17.

School field trips to The Holocaust Center

The Holocaust Center hosts field trip groups throughout the school year for groups up to 150 students. Field trips are tailored to meet the needs of individual classes and last approximately two hours. If a field trip is not feasible for your group, the Holocaust Center also offers in-class presentations at schools, pending availability. The Holocaust Center offers field trips at no charge, although donations are greatly appreciated. School groups wishing to schedule a field trip, may reserve a date by calling the resource teacher, Mitch Bloomer at 407-628-0555.