The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2026- Page 18
President Eisenhower’ s Great-Grandson to Headline Benefit for the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center
By Mary Eshet
When Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the Ohrdruf concentration camp following its liberation in April 1945, he feared future generations might one day question or deny what had taken place. He immediately ordered his troops to document every inch of the camp, inviting journalists, photographers and members of Congress to witness its horrors firsthand, determined to preserve an indisputable historical record.
Eisenhower’ s foresight continues to resonate more than 80 years later. On Sept. 30, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center( SGC) will welcome Eisenhower’ s great-grandson, Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, to the Knight Theater in Charlotte for a community event benefiting the center and its programming.
As keynote speaker, Atwater brings a uniquely compelling connection to SGC’ s mission. He has embraced his great-grandfather’ s legacy as his life’ s work. A passionate advocate for Holocaust remembrance and education, he participates in the International March of the Living, speaks at commemorative events and partners with organizations dedicated to ensuring its lessons endure and confronting antisemitism.
“ When good people stand by in silence,” said Eisenhower,“ the darkest chapters of history risk being written again. We must remember the past and act to ensure its horrors never return.
“ This event provides a powerful opportunity to connect one of the most significant legacies of World War II with the mission of SGC,” said Judy LaPietra, executive director of SGC.“ The Holocaust is not only history we must remember; it is also a warning we must heed. As antisemitism reaches alarming levels fueled by misinformation, distortion and Holocaust denial, we must reimagine how we teach the Holocaust in today’ s context. It must move beyond learning what happened to exploring why it happened and how antisemitism continues to evolve. This vision is reflected
in our privilege of hosting Merrill Eisenhower Atwater. His message reminds us that knowing our history is not enough; we must translate memory into understanding and ultimately into action.”
SGC’ s programs carry the lessons of the Holocaust forward by ensuring the stories of its victims and survivors continue to educate, inspire and challenge future generations. Through its flagship Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy( CHP) program, SGC has graduated 80 educators who are now prepared to teach the Holocaust in schools throughout the Charlotte region. SGC staff also visits classrooms to engage with students about the Holocaust, antisemitism and Israel.
SGC continues to broaden the reach and depth of its educational mission through local partnerships with Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other regional schools, as well as national and international relationships with Brandeis University, Gratz College, Yad Vashem and the Anti-Defamation League.
“ Through innovative education and community engagement, we seek to equip students, educators and the broader public with the knowledge and moral courage necessary to confront antisemitism, hatred and intolerance in all their forms,” LaPietra emphasized.
Tickets for this event are on sale through Blumenthal Arts, blumenthalarts. org /. Options include a VIP experience featuring an exclusive preevent reception with light hors d’ oeuvres and the opportunity to meet Merrill Eisenhower Atwater.
THE OUTDOOR LEARNING VILLAGE: BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
Supporting this special project at Charlotte Jewish Preschool is an investment in our mission of creating a nurturing environment where children learn, grow, and become confident, compassionate leaders grounded in Jewish values.
Your donation will help create an inclusive and enriching outdoor space that deepens connections to community, nature, and learning. Together, we are building the future one child, one playground, one gift at a time.
www. charlottejewishpreschool. org