CUJF Holocaust Education Center March Newsletter
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The HEC was incredibly busy in February, with an exhibit in Tolono, the start of the volunteer course for UIUC students in EDUC 201, an author presentation by Jeffrey Gingold, and several appearances around town by his uncle Bill Gingold, who shared his families story with hundreds of individuals last month.
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Unity Schools Hosts Traveling Holocaust Exhibit
We had the pleasure of partnering with Unity Schools in Tolono to host the SHOAH: How Was It Humanly Possible traveling exhibit from February 10th-13th, which was viewed by nearly 700 people! This exhibit was accompanied by special presentations by child Holocaust survivor, Dr. Bill Gingold, and longtime HEC leader, Dr. Brian Kahn, to over 160 students. Over 150 adults stopped to view the exhibit during parent-teacher conferences, including the Champaign Chief of Police!
This exhibit was made possible by our incredible volunteers, who put in over 85 hours to support this project. We were blown away by the support of the school staff, from the principals, 18 teachers with student tours, to the custodial and kitchen staff.
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Jeffrey Gingold Presents Tunnel, Smuggle, Collect: A Holocaust Boy
Last Sunday, the Central Illinois community was privileged to hear Jeffrey Gingold share his families story as told in his book Tunnel, Smuggle, Collect: A Holocaust Boy, featuring Jeffrey's father, Sam Gingold. His presentation began with a bold introduction - "Have you ever thought 'I Don't Belong Here'? As in, you should not exist?" From there, listeners heard descriptions of a haunted reality for 7 year old Sam, and saw a video that emphasized the importance of Holocaust Education. Jeffrey's talk left a deep impression on everyone in the room, including many cousins who were in the audience. You can get your own copy of his book HERE.
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The HEC has plenty of upcoming teacher initiatives, events, and volunteer opportunities in March and April. You can find information about all these below!
Until next month,
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Azer Matten (They/Them)
CUJF Community Engagement Coordinator
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Courtney Smith (She/Her)
Holocaust Education Committee Chair
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The work of the Holocaust Education Center is made possible by donations. Please consider a gift to support our work.
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Please remember the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation Holocaust Education Center with a gift in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy.
Call us at 217-367-9872 or reply to this email.
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CALL FOR STUDENTS WORK
Through Their Eyes
A Student Exhibit on the Holocaust
in Commemoration of Yom Hashoah
Would you like to share work that students have made during your Holocaust unit? We would love to display artwork, writing, and film from your class at this exhibit.
The exhibit aims to promote an understanding of this horrific era in our history and encourage tolerance.
Please submit student work digitally by Monday, April 14th to hec@cujf.org. We will be in touch afterwards for physical copies to be displayed.
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Find the Holocaust Education Center at
Read Across America
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Lincoln Square Mall
300 S. Broadway, Urbana, IL
Join the Urbana Park District alongside the HEC, CUJF's PJ Library, and 40+ local businesses and organizations to celebrate literacy!
Stop by our table to check out some excellent Holocaust literature and other resources! We will also be joined by CUJF's PJ Library.
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EDUC 201: Open to the Community
Tuesdays March 11th, 25th, and April 1st
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Cohen Center, 503 E John St
The HEC offers a volunteer course as one of the options for UIUC students taking EDUC 201. Join this semesters volunteer cohort for specific sessions as they learn best practices teaching holocaust through lessons, interactive activities, events, and speakers. Sessions open to the public are listed below. Please respond to this email if you would like to attend.
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March 11th: Dr. William Gingold, child survivor of the Holocaust
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March 25th: Linda Bauer, child of Holocaust survivors
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April 1st: Erez Cohen, descendant of Holocaust survivors
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Where is Dr. William Gingold Speaking this Month?
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Dr. Gingold, Champaign-Urbana's local Holocaust survivor, makes a tremendous effort to help educate others about the Holocaust and to promote tolerance by sharing his families story. If you have not heard his story before, you can catch him at one of the locations below.
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March 3, 6, and 7: Urbana Middle School
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March 4: Rantoul Township High School
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March 10: Johns Hill Magnet School
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March 11: UIUC EDUC 201 Class (open to the public)
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March 30: Gibson City United Methodist Church (open to the public)
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Musical Magic Live
Music and Song of Jewish Artists Through Time
Musical Magic Live is an unforgettable fundraising event featuring three extraordinary musicians—Cameron Cornell, Angie Rouley, and Tamra Gingold. Through the timeless melodies of Jewish composers and performers, they’ll bring to life stories of hope, courage, resilience, and joy. The evening will be guided by our Master of Ceremonies, Elizabeth Hess, Editor-in-Chief of Chambana Today.
In addition to the concert, attendees will experience the traveling Holocaust exhibit SHOAH: How Was It Humanly Possible, created by Yad Vashem. This powerful exhibit provides a historical look at the Holocaust while also featuring personal stories from local Holocaust survivors, adding a deeply personal connection to our community’s history. We are incredibly grateful to Illini Hillel for making this exhibit possible.
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Click HERE to RSVP
This event is generously sponsored by Champaign-Urbana Elks Lodge, Darrold Kennedy, the Meisinger family, Carol and Carl Belber, Barry Weiner, Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, Active Senior Options Inc, and Watch Me Grow. Promotional sponsors include Illini Hillel, Illini Chabad, PrimeLife Times, The Program in Jewish Culture and Society, Sinai Temple, and WeLoveUrbana. We are grateful to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum for providing the traveling exhibit.
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