October 28th, 2025 (5:30-7:00pm) The Akron-Summit Main Public Library, 60 S. High Street, Arkon, OH

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education will hold an Educational Seminar “Holocaust and Genocide: The Importance of Hope and Resistance.” This event will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium, “60 S High St.” The event is free and open to the public. There will also be the option to attend via Zoom. Register by October 25th for the event on our website (AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org) or by contacting Laura Ralph at (234) 200-6241.

This annual seminar, Holocaust and Genocide: The Importance of Hope and Resistance, will be dedicated to deepening understanding of human resilience in the face of atrocity. This vital program will explore how individuals and communities found ways to sustain hope, preserve dignity, and resist oppression during the Holocaust and other genocides. Teachers, students, and community members are invited to attend this engaging and educational event that continues the Council’s mission to promote awareness, remembrance, and moral responsibility.

James Newman, a teacher at Hawken School, will present on his experiences and knowledge teaching about this topic to high school students. Jim has taught for the last 20 years at the Hawken School in the History and Humanities Department. In that time he has served as Assistant Upper School Director and Dean of Students for 18 years. He currently teaches AP United States History, Native American History and Literature as well as elective courses in the Ethics of War, Who Tells the Story: Memory and Memorialization of Historical Events, and Human’s Best Friend: The Role of Dogs in Culture. A two time Fulbright Scholar (Italy and Greece), a Barringer Fellow at Monticello, and James wrote his Master’s Degree Thesis on the Ideal of Honor in the American Civil War. He has a Master’s Degree from Dartmouth College and BA from Gettysburg College. James and his family volunteer with Guiding Eyes for the Blind and have raised five guide dogs, and he also loves to cycle.  Additionally, Laura Ralph, Administrator of the Council will present on her experiences traveling to Poland with Holocaust historians and what she learned about the importance of hope and resistance during the Holocaust.

At the conclusion of this event, Renee Pinsky, Art Chair of the Council will share information regarding the 38^th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest. This year’s theme is Holocaust and Genocide: The Importance of Hope and Resistance. This contest is open to students, grades 6-12, who live or attend school in Summit County Ohio. Teachers and educators are urged to attend. Important dates, contest rules, entry forms, resources, and the work of past winners can be found at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org.

October 15th, 2024 (5:30-7:00pm) The Akron-Summit Main Public Library, 60 S. High Street, Arkon, OH

The increase in antisemitism and hate groups in our country and across the globe has reinforced how important it is to educate people about how to recognize hate and be positive influences in their communities.  We encourage you to join us at Echoes of the Holocaust: Antisemitism Then and Now which will focus on learning more about the history of antisemitism, how it continues to impact our world today and what we can do about it in our classrooms and beyond.

This year’s program will begin with an educational session by local Holocaust educator Barb White. This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by WKYC senior reporter and commentator for 3News Leon Bibb and includes educators, Holocaust experts, second generation Holocaust survivors and community activists. A moderated question-and-answer period will follow, time-permitting.

This event offers an opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about combating hate and discrimination. And, as in the past, this year’s seminar theme supports that of the 37th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest, Lessons of the Holocaust: Countering Discrimination, Apathy & Denial. Please register by October 13th, 2024.

May 7th, 2024 (6:00-7:30pm) The Akron-Summit Main Public Library, 60 S. High Street, Arkon, OH

Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman, second generation Holocaust Survivor and author of On Sunny Days We Sang: A Holocaust Story of Survival will speak on her experiences related to this year’s Arts and Writing Contest Theme ‘Lessons of the Holocaust: How Hatred Turns to Violence.’ Click here for a link to the live ceremony if you cannot attend in person.

Additionally, the winners of the 36^th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust and Genocide Arts & Writing Contest, a contest held for Summit County students grades 6-12 to promote education about the horrific events of the Holocaust along with other genocides, will be presented with their awards. The winning students’ artwork and writing pieces will be displayed at the Akron-Summit Main Library from April 15^th, 2024 through May 10^th, 2024 and at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org.

The Ceremony will be hosted by Martin H. Belsky, University of Akron Professor and Dean Emeritus and President of the Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education.

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education is supported by Summit County, the City of Akron, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Jewish Akron, and donations from the community. To help continue Holocaust awareness and educate the youth in our community, donations can be made at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org/donate.

“The annual Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest allows today’s students to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and to creatively engage with the lessons of the past,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “These lessons are vital to ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow never forget what can happen when hatred is tolerated. I look forward to seeing the outstanding content that our students have created.” 

“Honoring those lost during the Holocaust is not just about remembering—it is about learning,” said Executive Shapiro, “The art and writing that these students create reminds us to learn and act, and to always stand up to hate. I invite our entire community to join us at this event.”

Lessons of the Holocaust: How Hatred Turns Violence
October 23rd, 2023 (4:00-6:00pm)
750 White Pond Drive
Akron, OH 44320

Keynote Speakers: Adrienne Yelsky and Mary Ann Brennan
Click Here to Register

Keynote speakers will be Adrienne Yelsky, second generation Holocaust survivor and retired lead teacher of “Lessons of the Holocaust,” a course created by Leatrice Rabinsky, at Cleveland Heights High School and Mary Ann Brennan, former guidance counselor at Cleveland Heights High School.  Both Adrienne and Mary Ann currently serve as docents at the Maltz Museum where they educate youth and other visitors about the dangers of hate.

During the seminar, information will be shared regarding the 36^th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest. This contest is open to students in 6-12^th grade who live or attend school in Summit County Ohio. Teachers and educators are urged to attend. Contest entry forms and resources as well as the work of past winners can be found at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org.

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education is funded in part by Summit County, the City of Akron, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and donations from the community. This project is also funded in part by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission. To help continue Holocaust awareness and educate the youth in our community, donations can be made at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org/donate.

Hosted by the Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education

This event designed for educators but is free and open to the public. During the seminar, information will be shared regarding the 35th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest

Light Appetizers Will be Served

LEST WE FORGET: PRESERVING THE RECORD OF THE HOLOCAUST

May 8th, 2023 (6:00pm-7:30pm)
Main Library

60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44326
330.643.9000

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education will hold the 35^th annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Commemoration and Awards Ceremony on May 8^th, 2023 at the Akron-Summit County Public Main Library Auditorium beginning promptly at 6pm. Please arrive by 5:45pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Daniel Blain, second generation Holocaust Survivor and CEO of the Jewish Community Board of Akron will speak on his experiences related to this year’s Arts and Writing Contest Theme ‘Lest We Forget: Preserving the Record of the Holocaust.’

Additionally, the winners of the 35^th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest, a contest held for Summit County students grades 6-12 to promote education about the horrific events of the Holocaust along with other genocides, will be presented with their awards. The winning students’ artwork and writing pieces will be displayed at the Akron-Summit Main Library from March 27^th, 2023 through May 9^th, 2023 and on our website AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org.

The Ceremony will be hosted by Martin H. Belsky, University of Akron professor emeritus of law and Chair of the Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education.

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education is supported by Summit County, the City of Akron, Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Jewish Community Board of Akron, and donations from the community. To help continue Holocaust awareness and educate the youth in our community, donations can be made at AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org/donate.

“The annual Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest allows today’s students to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and to creatively engage with the lessons of the past,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “These lessons are vital to ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow never forget what can happen when hatred is tolerated. I look forward to seeing the outstanding content that our students have created.” 

“The annual Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest and Commemoration provides our students and families with an opportunity to reflect, learn, and promote justice and love in our community,” said Executive Shapiro, “I invite residents of Summit County and Akron to attend this year’s event and to support the incredible work of our students.”

Jan 6, 2023 Updated Jan 24, 2023

Akron Jewish News by Jane Kaufman