The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation has been running educational programs for years that support the development of ethical leadership, based on the history of the Holocaust. In June 2024, another edition of the American Service Academies Program (ASAP) took place, aimed at cadets from U.S. military academies, and in July,
a special edition was organized for the first time for cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, ASAP MMA. Both programs focused on fostering historical and ethical awareness, as well as building intercultural understanding.
ASAP and ASAP MMA: Immersive Learning and Ethical Reflection
The American Service Academies Program (ASAP) has established itself as a unique initiative that combines rigorous historical education with a focus on ethical leadership for future military officers. This year’s cohort began their journey in Washington, D.C., where they explored the ideological underpinnings of the Holocaust at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Through lectures and discussions, cadets examined the incremental steps that led to genocide, emphasizing the critical role of moral courage in preventing atrocities.
The program continued in Poland, where cadets visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. Walking through the remnants of barracks and the haunting ruins of gas chambers, the participants confronted the physical evidence of genocide. “Seeing the human remains and personal belongings left behind has left a really big impact on me,” shared Tasha Laberge-Shusterman, a cadet from the Air Force Academy. “It’s a reminder that these were real people who suffered, not just numbers in a history book.” This immersive experience provided a visceral context for understanding the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and the importance of standing up against injustice.
After touring the camp, the cadets engaged in community service at the Jewish cemetery in Oświęcim. By cleaning and maintaining the graves, they honored the memory of the Jewish community that once thrived in the town. “We need to have conversations without screaming at each other,” reflected Mackenzie Boose from the Coast Guard Academy. “The program has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to foster understanding.” This act of service underscored the value of preserving memory and highlighted the need for active engagement in the face of historical and contemporary injustices.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy edition of ASAP, held separately in July, was tailored to address the unique challenges faced by maritime leaders. Over eight days, cadets delved deeply into the history of the Holocaust and participated in discussions on contemporary ethical dilemmas in their professional lives. “Learning that over half of the orchestrators of the Holocaust were PhD-educated taught me that education alone isn’t enough. You also need a moral compass,” shared Asher Ellis, an Air Force ROTC cadet from Yale University. This reflection encapsulates the transformative potential of ASAP in shaping leaders who are not only competent but also ethically grounded.
A Unique Program with Global Impact
The American Service Academies Program is globally unique in its approach, bringing together cadets from multiple U.S. service academies to engage deeply with the history of the Holocaust and its ethical implications. No other program offers such
a comprehensive framework that combines historical education with military ethics, challenging participants to think critically about their roles as leaders in a complex and often divided world. By bridging past and present, ASAP provides a powerful reminder that ethical leadership is not just about technical competence but also about the courage to act in the face of injustice.
FOSTERING
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation
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The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) continues to harness the powerful lessons of the Holocaust to foster ethical leadership and deepen cross-cultural understanding. This summer, the AJCF hosted a range of impactful programs, with the American Service Academies Program (ASAP) and its specialized U.S. Merchant Marine Academy edition (ASAP MMA) taking center stage.
AMERICAN SERVICE ACADEMIES PROGRAM
AND BEYOND AT THE AUSCHWITZ JEWISH CENTER FOUNDATION