Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

On this day a year ago, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas attacked Israel, murdering more than 1,200 people (including 44 Americans), taking more than 240 people hostage, and provoking a war and humanitarian crisis. Hamas continues to hold more than 100 hostages, including 7 Americans. In the intervening year, we have witnessed a shocking increase in acts of antisemitism. And no forum - from college campuses to places of worship - has been spared. And yet especially on a mournful day like this, we are reminded of the admonition of our cherished Holocaust Survivors not to give in to despair and to fight to transform the future. We invite you to learn about the evolution of antisemitism and some of the tools to combat anti-Jewish hate here: https://lnkd.in/gqtKFxcW

We are honored to share that our virtual reality film, “Letters from Drancy,” has won the International Sound Award in the “Product” category area! “Letters from Drancy” shares Marion’s daring childhood journey across the borders of Northern Europe, her heartbreaking separation from her mother, her escape with help from the French Resistance in Paris, and her vivid memories of D-Day bombings in Normandy. https://lnkd.in/gBdptzQ3 The International Sound Awards honor the worldwide best works. The “Product” category recognizes the best in all designs involving digital or acoustic (mechanical) product sound; audio soft- and hardware; musical instruments; functional sound; sonic user interface; 3D sound; auditory display; sonification; augmented (sound) reality; and virtual (sound) reality. Thank you to International Sound Awards | Audio Branding Academy for selecting the film, and congratulations to Survivor Marion Deichmann, sound designer Oliver Kadel MPSE, director Darren Emerson, executive producer Ashley Cowan, producer Micaela Blitz, East City Films, and the Museum team. #InternationalSoundAwards #ISA2024 #MakeTheWorldSoundBetter

What a night! Last week’s Soirée, presented by the Museum’s Women’s Board, raised a record-breaking $400,000+ for the Museum’s upcoming special exhibitions, school field trips, professional development for teachers, and our new Mobile Virtual Reality program.

We are heartbroken after hearing of the deaths of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and 5 other young people who were discovered murdered by Hamas. Hersh’s family is part of our Museum’s community, and his grandmother is a steadfast member.   We join with the families, friends, and entire community in mourning the deaths of young people who were kidnapped, held hostage, and ultimately murdered by Hamas after attending the Nova music festival on October 7th. At least 101 hostages – members of 4 religions and 25 nationalities – remain held as hostages of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza.   May the memories of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi be for a blessing.   Thousands Protest in Israel After Recovery of 6 Hostages Killed in Gaza - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

IHMEC was thrilled to welcome senior administration from Chicago Public Schools to experience our exhibitions and see what we offer to students and teachers. We were joined by CPS CEO, Pedro Martinez, Lauro Roman, Chief of Staff, Ben Felton, Chief of Talent, Evangelina Covarrubias, ED, Equity, Nicole Milberg, Chief of Teaching and Learning, and Elizabeth Browne, Acting Chief of Title IX. Thank you all for visiting the Museum.

We were thrilled to welcome Survivor Lucille Wolf (green), along with her sister Susan Hamburger (yellow) and Lucille's family to the Museum. The group went visited our Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition where they saw the Rosh Hashanah card Lucille and Susan created for their parents when they were younger. They also visited “Kindertransport - Rescuing Children on the Brink of War,” where Lucille’s story is one of several local Survivors on display. Lucille was among the 200 children chosen for the first Kindertransport.

CONGRATS to our 2024 LUMINARY AWARD recipients: Micah Ariel-Rohr (Jewish United Fund), Dion Dawson (Dion's Chicago Dream), and Amy Omi (Dominican University)! The Young Professional Board's LUMINARY AWARD applauds individuals who exemplify how everyday people can hold great power for change in their communities through professional engagement and innovation. Join the celebration during YPB Presents... "A Luminous Night" on 10/10 - featuring signature cocktails from Binny's and food by Shake Shack, plus interactive stations that highlight lesser-known facts about the Museum. Early bird tickets are $85: https://buff.ly/3WCTOAm

Last night the Women's Board enjoyed a fashion show at Neiman Marcus in Northbrook after meeting about our upcoming Soirée! Tickets are available now: https://buff.ly/3Ceg89F

Planning for the new school year? Register for one of our teaching trunks today. From character education and human rights to Holocaust history and genocide, our teaching trunk program offers a wide variety of resources for K-12 educators. Each trunk allows educators to create meaningful age/grade-appropriate lessons on these topics for their classroom. Learn more and reserve a trunk for your classroom here: https://buff.ly/3TUOvKW

Field trip registration is open! Sign your class up for an onsite or virtual field trip to the Museum where they will learn about Holocaust history, genocide, human and civil rights, and social justice issues. https://buff.ly/4f7KixD