Holocaust Education in Spanish 

Jewish Federation of San Diego is proud to announce an exciting and historic initiative: the first-ever Holocaust education workshops conducted entirely in Spanish.  

On May 14th, 2025, Federation facilitated a series of four workshops at a high school in southern San Diego, each focused on the experiences of migrants and refugees during the Holocaust. These workshops provided an opportunity for students to learn about this crucial period in history while also fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary refugee and migration issues. 

Teaching the Holocaust in Spanish for the First Time 

Given the importance of Spanish-speaking communities, this new initiative is an amazing opportunity to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are accessible to a broad audience. The workshops were conducted for students in a culturally relevant and engaging way. It’s a crucial step in making sure that the memories of the Holocaust are preserved and passed on to future generations—regardless of different languages and backgrounds. 

Workshop Series: Migration and Refugees During the Holocaust 

The workshops explored “The Positive Aspects and Challenges of Migration and/or Refugees During the Holocaust.” The sessions were designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Jewish refugee experience during the Holocaust, particularly how individuals and families were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The workshops delved into the complex realities of displacement, survival, and resilience during the darkest times in human history. 

To bring these lessons to life, we were excited and honored to host the son and daughter of a Holocaust survivor who spoke about their father’s journey. Their personal testimony gave students a powerful, human perspective on the history we teach, allowing them to connect more deeply with the material.

The workshops were spread across four 90-minute sessions, with each class being led by experienced educators, ensuring that students received thoughtful and impactful instruction.  

Each session included:  

• Multimedia presentations 

• Interactive discussions 

• Opportunities for reflection 

• Projectors and immersive smart boards 

Reflective Activities: Building Empathy and Making Connections 

One of the most impactful elements of the workshop was a reflective activity that connected the challenges faced by refugees during the Holocaust with the global refugee crises of today. The goal of this exercise was to foster empathy and help students see the relevance of Holocaust education in understanding contemporary issues, and vice versa.  

A Vital Step for Holocaust Education in San Diego 

Teaching the Holocaust in Spanish is not just an important milestone for our organization—it’s a significant moment in the history of Holocaust education in San Diego. By making this history accessible to Spanish-speaking students, we ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are shared with a broad and diverse audience. 

In addition to these workshops, we are also planning a session for younger students. We are thrilled to continue our outreach efforts and expand our work to additional schools across San Diego County. 

Looking Ahead: Engaging the Next Generation 

As part of our ongoing commitment to Holocaust education, the Jewish Federation of San Diego will continue to provide meaningful, educational experiences that bring the lessons of the Shoah to a new generation. We believe that by teaching students about the atrocities of the past, we are equipping them to build a better future—one grounded in empathy, respect, and a commitment to human rights. 

We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to partner with San Diegan schools and educators on this important initiative. As we mark this historic first, we look forward to reaching more students and fostering a deeper understanding of the Holocaust in San Diego. The lessons of the past are essential to shaping a better, more compassionate world, and we are honored to play a role in sharing these stories with the next generation.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to expand our reach and impact, ensuring the history of the Holocaust is never forgotten and that its lessons are shared with all who are willing to listen and learn.