The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is finding new ways to preserve Holocaust Survivors’ stories so they never fade from memory.

Since 1977, Holocaust Survivors have told their firsthand accounts to high school students through the JCRC’s Youth Symposium. As the number of living Survivors declines, the JCRC Holocaust Education and Remembrance Committee formed a new partnership with Theatre Ariel, Philadelphia’s only Jewish theatre, piloting an engaging production called “Survivors” so these powerful stories can continue to be told. The play was presented from Wednesday, March 23 through April 7 in seven high schools throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

Based on ten Holocaust Survivors’ testimonies, “Survivors” provided a rich experience for students and a compelling reason for teachers and schools to continue participating in the Youth Symposium programs. Each performance of the play was followed by a small-group discussion where students could further engage with the stories and never forget the plight these survivors went through.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to educating the broader community about the Holocaust to ensure that history of this tragedy is understood and never forgotten. Learn more about JCRC’s Holocaust education programming here.