Preserving Memory, Investing in the Future: Philanthropic Opportunities in Holocaust Education
By: Nathaniel Moldoff, Director of Research & Policy
As the sun sets on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Jewish communities around the world will begin to observe Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. To-date, working on behalf of clients, Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors has facilitated more than $3.3M in grants to organizations furthering the cause of Holocaust education, an especially important topic given the alarming rise in antisemitism today. According to the ADL’s latest annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, which was issued this week, antisemitic incidents, largely fueled by campus protests, reached a record-breaking high in 2024. The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of how unchecked antisemitism can lead to persecution, destruction, violence, and even murder. Supporting effective Holocaust education is not merely an act of philanthropy; it is an investment in a more just and tolerant future.
One trend that our team has observed is the rise of innovative digital technologies to make Holocaust education far more accessible, interactive, and even immersive. In a world grappling with a resurgence of antisemitism, especially among the younger generation, these initiatives represent a crucial evolution in Holocaust education. They leverage the power of technology to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that resonate with today’s generation (all of whom are “digital natives”). Most children born today will never hear testimony directly from a Holocaust survivor. As we lose the last living survivors, these technologies will become even more vital in ensuring that their stories—and the lessons of the Holocaust—are not forgotten.
To mark the occasion of Yom Hashoah, we reflect on the following recipients of philanthropic gifts from Hoplin Jackson clients that have cutting-edge, innovative approaches to Holocaust education and contemporary antisemitism:
USC Shoah Foundation’s Dimensions in Testimony: This groundbreaking project features interactive biographies of Holocaust survivors, allowing individuals to have “virtual conversations” with them. By using advanced filming techniques and natural language processing, Dimensions in Testimony creates a powerful and personalized connection between learners and survivors, fostering empathy and understanding. You can even try it out yourself and “talk” directly with a Holocaust survivor, for free, directly on their website!
Holocaust Museum LA's Sobibor Virtual Reality App: The Holocaust Museum LA has developed an augmented reality (AR) app that brings to life a detailed model of the Sobibor death camp. This immersive experience allows users to explore the camp and learn about its history in an interactive and engaging way.
Echoes and Reflections: This program—a partnership between three different organizations—provides K-12 educators with comprehensive resources and professional development to effectively teach the Holocaust, and, in light of recent world events, now includes an updated unit on contemporary antisemitism. Echoes and Reflections utilizes a variety of primary source materials, including survivor testimony, to help students connect the history of the Holocaust to contemporary forms of antisemitism and better understand their role in creating a more just world, free from antisemitism and other forms of bias.
Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center (Phoenix, AZ): Opening in 2027, this new, 31,000 square foot museum and educational center has already raised $38 million from state, county, and private sources, towards an overall campaign goal of $45M. Unlike existing museums, which typically have to retrofit physical spaces and update educational resources to accommodate new interactive technologies, this center is being designed from the ground-up to incorporate the latest technology-based learning resources about the Holocaust, including both the aforementioned Dimensions in Testimony and an augmented reality “tour” of a concentration camp.
Such investments not only help to preserve the memory of the Holocaust but also empower future generations to confront antisemitism, stand up to evil, and build a more understanding and compassionate society.
If you would like to learn more about any of these initiatives, or discuss other philanthropic strategies to combat rising antisemitism, please contact us here and a member of our team will connect with you.