Maggid gives children of Holocaust survivors (2Gs) the unique ability to learn more about their parents’ narratives and help them to share their family’s experiences publicly.
Our program connects peers who can relate to these uniquely difficult conversations and who know the importance of preserving these narratives. Together, participants develop compelling presentations and hone strategies for effective engagement with young audiences.
Why is this important?
The JCRC has created the Maggid program to ensure that personal accounts of what happened during the Holocaust will be shared and passed down to future generations.
Survivor testimony is a powerful tool that prompts genuine caring and behavioral change in students. As the number of Holocaust survivors who are available and able to provide personal testimony diminishes, our best resource for carrying on their narratives and legacies is their children (2Gs) and grandchildren (3Gs). We must pass the baton now to bolster Holocaust education and to ensure these factual accounts are not lost.
How does Maggid work?
Our program will empower the DC area’s 2G population to carry on their family’s Holocaust narratives through training sessions that help them better understand their legacies and educate them more about the Holocaust in general.
Two workshops are planned for 2023-24, one beginning in October and one in January. Each typically includes five training sessions (four evenings and one Sunday afternoon), lasting roughly two hours apiece.
Who is leading the workshop?
Our program is specifically designed for the Greater Washington community by Peter Nelson, a nationally recognized Holocaust educator who is also a child and grandchild of Holocaust survivors.
Mr. Nelson spent 24 years as Executive Director of the New York office of Facing History and Ourselves, an educational nonprofit that challenges teachers and students to stand up to all forms of bigotry and hate. He also served as Director of Holocaust Education for ADL. Now working as a consultant, Mr. Nelson trains 3Gs to tell their grandparents’ stories in classrooms stretching from Toronto to Miami.
What is expected of program participants?
While the JCRC is proud to offer this program at no cost as part of our core mission, we do expect participants to present to students in schools, synagogues and other venues throughout the region at least 2-3 times a year.
Please contact Mandy Book at mbook@jcouncil.org if you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming Maggid cohorts.
MAGGID PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
I found it fulfilling and emotionally draining. And totally worthwhile! I found real connection with some students and respectful listening by all.
My preference would be to speak to one or two classes at a time. It’s too hard to make eye contact and connection in larger groups.
—Connie Liss
Program Participant
I found the process of crafting our stories extremely valuable. Being led to find our 'nuggets' and creating a presentation around them was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. I have spoken about my father several times now to school groups and have been so pleased with the thoughtful questions the students have asked as well as conversations with staff and students after the talk. I look forward to being able to speak again this school year.
—Suzette Tanen
Program Participant