Speakers Bureau

The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC) Speakers Bureau sends Survivors to schools, churches, synagogues and organizations to share their experiences during the Holocaust. Last year alone, over 15,000 people heard speakers from the HDEC.

The memory of the Holocaust, the stories that have been told, the lessons that have been taught – and learned – help students understand the importance of standing up, speaking out and making a difference in their schools, homes, communities and beyond.

Though every Survivor has a courageous and different story of the Holocaust, they each share the same sacred commitment to give meaning and purpose to their tragic experiences. They implore us to teach the Holocaust, not repeat it.

“Hearing the Survivor’s story made me think about how heroic these people really are. They suffered tremendously, risked everything, and are able to come to our school and share their experiences with us so that we can learn. The speaker made me conscious of the fact that genocide is still happening everyday around the world and that it is our job to stop it. Being educated about these events had a profound effect on me. I believe that every class should have the opportunity to hear a Survivor of the Holocaust.”
– 10th Grade student, Christopher Columbus High School

SCHOOLS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

• The speaker should be invited to speak to your class after the students have studied the unit on the Holocaust.
• Allow time for questions and answers.  Have the students prepare questions in advance and choose a few to ask the Survivor.
• There is no charge for schools that request a speaker for a classroom or an auditorium filled with students.

Out of courtesy for the Survivors, you may be asked to provide transportation to and from the school.

Due to COVID-19, the HDEC is presently able to facilitate Survivors to speak through ZOOM and other Online Conferencing platforms. For more information please contact EduOutreach@hdec.org.