“Not long ago. Not far away.” is a sadly accurate subtitle for the Auschwitz exhibit at Union Station, reminding all visitors of not only the importance of Holocaust education but also the current realities of antisemitism– that it persists today, even right here in Kansas City.
This fall, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC has utilized the exhibit to educate hundreds of individuals in the Greater Kansas City community about contemporary antisemitism. Through visits to the exhibit, followed by presentations and dialogue sessions, JCRB|AJC has so far engaged 150 members of the general public, 35 elected officials, 65 interfaith clergy leaders and 35 business leaders.
In early October, JCRB|AJC, in partnership with MCHE, brought AJC’s U.S. Director for Combating Antisemitism, Holly Huffnagle, to Kansas City, for a public presentation at Union Station on contemporary antisemitism. The video recording of that program is available on JCRB|AJC’s website.
The next day, JCRB|AJC brought a group of elected officials through the Auschwitz exhibit - including state legislators, city councilmembers, and mayors from both Kansas and Missouri - followed by a private conversation with Huffnagle on the crucial role of elected officials in combating antisemitism.
Throughout October and November, JCRB|AJC partnered with the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City for “Clergy Conversations: Conversations about Antisemitism.” Throughout eight visits, the program brought small groups of interfaith clergy members together to visit the exhibit, followed by a discussion on contemporary antisemitism.
These wide-ranging conversations included the prevalence of Holocaust distortion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; how to discuss Israel without perpetuating antisemitism; and the role of faith communities in combating antisemitism. One Christian clergy member said that the experience was “eye-opening,” and expressed that they had felt “shame” that they had not previously understood how conversations about Israel could unknowingly perpetuate antisemitism, adding “it is good to wrestle with those things.”
Another clergy member reflected that the program gave them “a new understanding of modern-day antisemitism. With that understanding, I also have guidance on how to respond to those statements or occurrences. Walking the experience with fellow faith leaders, especially interfaith faith leaders, invited me to reflect on my responsibility as clergy to be a voice of justice whenever I witness injustice.”
In November, JCRB|AJC was invited to speak to the KC Chamber of Commerce following their scheduled visit to the Auschwitz exhibit. JCRB|AJC’s “Understanding Contemporary Antisemitism in America” presentation provided the staff with information about the rise of antisemitism in America, the various manifestations of antisemitism, and how to help combat it as leaders in the business community. Participants said that the presentation was “incredibly impactful,” and that they “personally walked away with new knowledge.”
“The Auschwitz exhibit has been an incredible tool for us in educating the broader community about antisemitism. It’s provided a platform for us to connect with hundreds of new stakeholders on this issue,” said Executive Director Gavriela Geller. “Going through the exhibit provides the participants with not only an important factual understanding of the Holocaust, but the emotional connection as well – so that when we then train these groups on contemporary antisemitism, it is not seen as some abstract issue, but a very real one with serious consequences.”
This month, JCRB|AJC will engage more than two dozen school and school district leaders through similar programming. They will continue to utilize the exhibit for the duration of its extended stay in Kansas City, aiming to reach as many communities and stakeholders as possible.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of their ongoing programs by sending a group of leaders through the exhibit, or would like to host a training for your company or organization, please reach out to Sarah Markowitz at .
