Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery

06/03/2026

📣COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: “WHEN THE RABBIS CAME TO TOWN” DEBUTS AT THE WATERWORKS 📣

Guests who have previously experienced our “We Could Not Be Silent” exhibit will recognize the history, memory, and moral courage that come together in "When The Rabbis Came to Town", a world premiere stage performance honoring Rabbi Allen Secher.

On June 17, 1964, Rabbi Secher answered an emergency appeal from Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and traveled to St. Augustine to join civil rights protests facing violent attacks, fire bombings, and death threats. The next day, he and 15 fellow rabbis were arrested during a prayer service at the segregated Monson Motel, marking the largest arrest of rabbis in American history.

This powerful performance features actor Adam Bell portraying Rabbi Secher’s eight-decade fight against racism and antisemitism. Immediately following, the two will take the stage for a discussion reflecting on Rabbi Secher’s arrest, his lifelong human rights work, and his continued commitment to confronting hate.

In addition to the 6pm performance, a private reception with Rabbi Secher will be held at The Waterworks at noon the same day. Reservations are required, and space is limited to 30 guests.

📍 The Waterworks, 184 San Marcos Avenue, St. Augustine

🕕 June 17 at 6pm

🎟️ Tickets for 6pm performance only: https://bit.ly/4dIWGWc

🎟️ Exclusive VIP tickets (includes reception at noon and 6pm performance): https://bit.ly/43c3pC4

These events are a co-production of the St. Augustine Film Society and the Heartland Independent Film and Drama Forum, both 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Donations to help support the cost of this production are welcome. For more information contact [email protected] or call (231) 720-0930.

04/17/2026

Thank you Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus for allowing us to share Pam's story with your students!

04/14/2026

On this solemn day, Yom HaShoah, we remember those who perished in the Holocaust. 🕯️

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

Thank you to Ridgeview High School for welcoming us for a meaningful day of learning and reflection. Andrew shared his grandparents’ story, offering students a powerful and personal connection to the history and lasting impact of the Holocaust.

Students also explored our traveling exhibit, We Could Not Be Silent — a graphic novel that tells the story of a pivotal moment during the Civil Rights Movement right here in Northeast Florida, highlighting the importance of allyship and the role individuals can play in standing up against injustice.

Following last week’s cattle car exhibit on campus, these experiences together created a powerful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of history and its relevance today.

We appreciate the Ridgeview community for creating space for these important conversations.

03/24/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to spend time at Springfield Middle School today, where Yvonne shared her families story with students in a powerful presentation.

Alongside her remarks, students also have the opportunity to explore our traveling exhibit, We Could Not Be Silent, deepening their understanding of the choices individuals made in the face of injustice. Together, these experiences encouraged reflection, conversation, and a deeper awareness of the impact of standing up for others.

Thank you to the Springfield Middle School community for creating space for these important lessons.

03/24/2026

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY AT JFCS

JFCS is honored to once again host the Hate Ends Now Cattle Car, an immersive exhibit that brings the lessons of the Holocaust from the past into the present. There are still time slots available, so book your spot today.

HATE ENDS NOW CATTLE CAR EXHIBIT
Mobile Exhibit and Original Artifact Collection
Friday, March 27, 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: 8540 Baycenter Rd, Jacksonville FL

HATE ENDS NOW is an immersive, traveling exhibit that educates audiences about the Holocaust, and the dangers of antisemitism, intolerance, and racism.

Housed inside an exact replica of a WWII-era cattle car just like the ones used to transport Jews and other targeted groups to concentration and death camps during the Holocaust is a powerful 360 degree immersive presentation.

Accompanying the exhibit is a rare collection of original Holocaust artifacts. The cattle car presentation is done in 30-minute increments and space is limited, so reservations are required.

Book your time slot now:
https://bit.ly/3N1354s

May we continue to challenge hate, honor memory, and uplift future generations with truth and compassion. 🕯

03/24/2026

Thank you to LaVilla School of the Arts for welcoming us for a meaningful program with Cecilia. She shared her family’s story of resilience and survival, offering students a powerful and personal connection to Holocaust history.

It was especially meaningful to be back at LaVilla, as Cecilia’s own family once walked these same halls — creating a full-circle moment that made the experience even more impactful.

We appreciate the students’ attentiveness and engagement as they listened, reflected, and helped carry these important stories forward.

03/08/2026

Thank you to Bartram Trail High School for welcoming us for a powerful day of learning and reflection! More than 420 students had the opportunity to hear from five of our presenters, each sharing personal stories and perspectives connected to the Holocaust.

Through survivor testimony and family stories, students gained a deeper understanding of this history and its lasting lessons. Their attentiveness and thoughtful engagement made the program especially meaningful!

03/04/2026

UPCOMING EVENT - Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen's Puppet Theater
Sunday, March 29, 2-3pm
Smathers Library, in the Judaica Suite
1508 Union Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida warmly invite you to Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen’s Puppet Theater, a private event that shares a remarkable story of Jewish survival and resilience during the Holocaust.

In the words of daughter Yvonne Cohen, who is an active member of our Holocaust Survivors Speakers Bureau: "I feel a deep responsibility to carry forward my family’s legacy of survival, not only in memory of the millions who were murdered, but also in honor of those who endured oppression fueled by hate."

Special guest speakers will include Yvonne and Tommy Cohen, and our own Melissa Williams, Holocaust Education Coordinator at JFCS. The Cohen family's story is also currently featured in our "Histories in Hand" exhibit in The Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery at our Baycenter location.

Immediately following the program at Smathers Library, guests are invited to a private viewing of the exhibition, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres and beverages from 3-4pm.

Kindly RSVP by Friday, March 20, to [email protected].

For more information about the exhibit, visit https://judaica.uflib.ufl.edu/news/news-from-library.