The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 14
Religious Life
Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center Builds on Strong Foundation to Expand Programming and Impact
By Mary Eshet
At the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center, summer is a time for reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the next. The demand and need for our work in Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism seems infinite, so it is heartening to pause and recognize the progress we’ ve made— and to anticipate how we can grow our impact. Our new Programming and Impact Report is now available on our website, and we are excited to share highlights here!
Expanded Reach in 2024 – 2025
In the 2024 – 25 year, our team delivered presentations on the Holocaust and Israel at more than 30 schools in the greater Charlotte region, reaching more than 5,000 students and more than 500 teachers. The Greenspon Center also supported six professional development days for educators throughout the year.
The value of school presentations delivered by the Greenspon team is best expressed by the teachers:“ There’ s no way to know for sure, but we believe that the lasting impact and ripple effect of education in this area of study will help make changes for the better and prevent further cases of antisemitism and genocide in the future. It is our job to educate and try to make it better for the next generations to come. The Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center helps make this happen,” said Alison Faustino, eighth-grade English teacher at The Brawley School in Mooresville, NC.
One of the most powerful ways to reach students is the Student to Student program, where Jewish teens present to elementary, middle, and high schools to share personal stories and the beauty of Judaism. This program has impressive data to support its impact in reducing antisemitism and is a great leadership opportunity for teens.
One of the student presenters shared:“ As the great-grandchild of Holocaust survivors, it is very important to me to do anything I can to help combat antisemitism. My Judaism is a part of my daily life, and I have always talked to my non-Jewish friends about my traditions … Student to Student has given me the chance to do so in a more formal manner, reaching many more peers.”
If you are interested in joining Student to Student or booking these presenters for your school or community group, email Katie Cunningham at
cunninghamk @ queens. edu.
The Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy( CHP) program continues to grow. In the past year, 21 educators graduated from the program, bringing the total number of graduates to 51. In June, the latest cohort traveled to Poland for a learning experience beyond the classroom. These graduates take their learning forward to innumerable students and colleagues as they teach about the Holocaust, creating exponential impact.
“ It was an incredible experience that will be brought to life with my students this coming year and beyond,” said Stephanie Haring, CHP graduate and English teacher at Marvin Ridge High School.“ I want others in Union County Public Schools to experience the same. The content is engaging, age-appropriate, and deeply relevant to the challenges our community faces. I truly believe expanding access to this kind of programming across Union County would have a lasting impact.”
Through work with the NC Department of Public Instruction and the CHP Alumni Network, more than 500,000 students across the state receive education influenced by the Greenspon Center’ s work. Our Jewish studies, interfaith, and multicultural outreach included 2,000 engagements in partnership with campus and community partners like Queens Hillel and Spiritual Life.
Our annual signature event commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day was the largest event in our history. On Jan. 27, 2025, we hosted rock legend Geddy Lee at Queens University for a conversation about his memoir, including his experience as the son of Holocaust survivors. More than 900 guests joined us for an inspiring evening.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity
As is our tradition at the Greenspon Center, we are looking ahead to the 2025 – 2026 year and beyond with big dreams and aspirations. We will continue to present our standing programs, such as the multi-week Community Jewish Studies courses, offered each semester. The topic for the fall course will be“ Lessons in Reconciliation: From Torah to Today.” These courses are open to all, and you can email Director Judy LaPietra at lapietraj @ queens. edu to sign up.
Other ongoing programs continue to thrive. The CHP program will welcome 25 educators for its fourth cohort in October. Our aspiration is to add an advanced course and a learning experience in Israel. We have developed a curriculum and stand ready to implement the program as soon as we have funding.
The Charlotte Black / Jewish Alliance( BJA), a coalition of Black and Jewish Charlotteans seeking to cultivate understanding and authentic relationships, will mark its fifth year and cohort in the 2025 – 2026 year. Programming will include signature events such as the Upstander Award( when we will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate), Soul Food Shabbat, and an event commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
For the first time, we will partner with Brandeis University to hold an educator professional development day focused on Israel and Zionism on Nov. 4 in Charlotte. This session is a continuation of a strong partnership with Brandeis.
More programs, events, and learning opportunities are planned for the coming year, so please visit stangreensponcenter. org and sign up for our monthly Insider newsletter or email eberlet @ queens. edu for the latest information!