The successful 16th Biennial Educators’ Conference, hosted by the Holocaust Commission and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, offered invaluable resources and insights to educators dedicated to teaching about antisemitism, bigotry, and genocide.
The two-day event took place at Salem Middle School in Virginia Beach and the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond. This year’s theme, “Who Will Tell Our Story?” resonated deeply with all participants, emphasizing the critical role educators play in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and combating contemporary hatred.
The conference featured an array of expert panels, workshops, and seminars designed to equip educators with the tools necessary to foster environments of respect, safety, and open dialogue. One of the highlights was an Action to Awareness session led by Jonathan Zur, president and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. His session left a lasting impression on many attendees, including Ina Leiderman, a veteran educator with Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
“I have never attended a Holocaust Commission Educational Conference and not learned from wonderful presenters and educators,” said Leiderman. “I enjoyed all the presenters and speakers, but I was especially inspired by the panel discussion, and the break-out session with Jonathan Zur of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. I have heard him speak many times and he always leaves me with ways to improve my teaching.”
Leiderman’s reflections highlight the transformative impact of the conference. “This year the focus will help me help my students feel safe and have a sense of belonging in my classroom and my school,” she says. “I am starting my 51st year of teaching all with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools and I really appreciated their financial support of the Conference this year!”
Lunch on both days was graciously provided by The Neighborhood Harvest, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The conference’s agenda was meticulously crafted to address the rising incidents of antisemitism and discrimination in schools and beyond. The first day included interactive workshops on identifying and countering disinformation, a crucial skill in today’s digital age. The second day offered an opportunity for attendees to engage with the main exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, providing a tangible connection to the historical events discussed.
The Holocaust Commission and JCRC are grateful for the valuable partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, which made this event possible. The conference honored the past and the lessons each person can learn from history while providing resources to empower educators to inspire the next generation, to reject prejudice, and to become upstanders for human rights.
As a new school year approaches, the lessons and strategies shared during the conference will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on classrooms throughout the region. The Holocaust Commission and the Jewish Community Relations Council remain committed to providing ongoing support and resources to educators as they continue this essential work.
For more information, contact Elka Mednick, director of the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at EMednick@UJFT.org.