Remembrance and Witness

These ancient words remind us of the fragility of memory and the power of witness. They call us to remember and to learn from the devastating epoch in history known as the Holocaust.

The Holocaust is a matter of concern for all individuals, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Studying the Holocaust both challenges and inspires. In the Holocaust, we encounter the depths of inhumanity and the heights of humanity.    We learn of courage, of altruism, and of the devastating consequences of silence and inaction.

A young person who meets a Holocaust survivor is forever changed by that encounter. Yet each year brings fewer such opportunities and gives added urgency to preparing today’s young people to become witnesses to the future. Within a very few decades, there will be no more survivors to testify to the reality of the ghettos, concentration camps, and death marches. Who then will carry their witness to the future?

Upcoming Lectures and Events

Fall Lecture Series

Spring Lectures and Events
February 12: Swimming in Auschwitz (documentary)
March 7: The Ninth Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest
April 29: An Evening of Holocaust Remembrance

The Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library
Named in honor of Henry Samueli's parents, both of  whom were Holocaust survivors, and a generous gift  of Henry and Susan Samueli, the Sala and Aron  Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library offers a dedicated  space on the Chapman University campus for the study of the Holocaust and human rights.

The Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education
The Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, founded in February 2000 through a generous gift from Barry and Phyllis Rodgers,  is dedicated to preparing young people to become witnesses to the future.

The Stern Chair in Holocaust Education
In September 2000, a major gift from Ralph and Sue Stern endowed a faculty position, assuring the inclusion of Holocaust education as part of the university's curriculum for generations to come.  Several courses on the Holocaust are currently taught within Wilkinson College of Letters and Sciences and a minor in Holocaust History is now available.