A Community United in Learning and Remembrance

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the Spring 2026 Issue of the Jewish Journal. 

In the sixth year of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week, the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio served as a vital gathering place and community resource, where students and educators engaged in powerful presentations that explored the history of the Holocaust, while encouraging thoughtful conversation about its relevance today. These presentations created space not only to learn facts, but to wrestle with difficult questions about responsibility, moral courage, and the consequences of silence. 

At the Museum, participants encountered survivor testimony, historical context, and guided discussions that helped transform history from something distant into something deeply human and relevant today. For students, these experiences sparked moments of connection and understanding that will continue long after the week concludes.  

Equally impactful were the many off-site presentations delivered throughout the region, impacting over 1,200 students. Museum educators and trained speakers traveled to school campuses, extending the reach of Holocaust education far beyond our physical space. Teachers and students alike expressed appreciation for programming that opened students’ eyes to the true dangers of hate and our communities today. 

The success of this week reflects the dedication of docents, generational survivors, and volunteers who donate countless hours to the Museum.  They see how the power of education builds empathy, inspires critical thinking, and encourages students and individuals to become upstanders in their own communities.  

As we look ahead, the Museum remains dedicated to carrying these lessons forward ensuring that remembrance is not confined to a single week but continues to shape our work and our impact throughout the year. 

Leslie Met