The SOMA Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Committee sponsors various activities specifically to educate youth about the Holocaust and bring the lessons of this dark period in history alive.
Michael Rubell of REMEMBRANCE JOURNEYS and Columbia High School Social Studies teacher Ms. Janet Burtrin lead students on a bus trip to Washington DC that takes them to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, D.C. Accompanying the students are educators and Holocaust survivors who share their stories and teach the importance of standing up to discrimination, prejudice and bigotry. Hands on activities and discussions are offered on site.
For the past 5 years, this has given an opportunity to over 250 students to participate in this unique experience.
At the end of the academic year, the visit to the museum culminates in the Youth Leadership Seminar where Remembrance Journey alumni gather at the Holocaust Council of Greater MetroWest. Here, innovative workshops help students internalize the message of embracing diversity by not being bystanders to hatred, intolerance and bullying.