Words Matter: Now More Than Ever
Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27
The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s highly praised Biennial Educators’ Conference provides educators with tools, strategies, and techniques to use for promoting respect, empathy, and accountability in their classrooms. Studying the lessons of the Holocaust provides educators with a platform for teaching tolerance and acceptance, which seem to be on the wane in today’s cultural and political climate.
This year’s two-day conference includes an “in-school” segment on Wednesday, July 26, at Norfolk Academy, and a “field trip” on Thursday, July 27, to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond.
Keynote speakers on July 26 will be Alexandra Zapruder, a founding staff member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and award-winning author of Salvaged Pages: Young Writers’ Diaries of the Holocaust, and the newly published 26 Seconds: A Personal History of the Zapruder Film; and Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, son of a Nazi tank commander who repudiated his father’s past, converted to Judaism, and now speaks on behalf of victims and survivors.
The day’s schedule includes the speakers, teacher workshops, and an anti-bullying program presented by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Meals, educational materials, and professional educational credits are provided as well for registered educators.
As with the Holocaust Commission’s 2015 conference, there is a “community option” to hear the keynote speakers and enjoy a boxed lunch with them and all participants. People who attended the last conference will say it is not to be missed. This option is available for only $50.
The group trip to the Virginia Holocaust Museum includes the screening of the Commission’s newest What We Carry films, a presentation by Dr. Charles Sydnor, VHM senior historian, and an educators’ tour of the museum, including two current special exhibits. Bus transportation, museum admission, and meals are included.
Registration before July 1 is $75; after July 1, it is $100. Call 757-965-6125, email info@holocaustcommission. org or visit www. jewishva.org/holocaust-educator- conferences for more information, to download a brochure, or to register.