For 25 years, students across the Peninsula have been invited to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and express what they've discovered through their own creativity—an opportunity made possible by donors who believe education is one of our strongest tools for building a more compassionate future.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Holocaust Writing and Artwork Competition, an initiative sustained through Jewish Peninsula and supported by The Sarfan/Gary S. and William M. Nachman Philanthropic Fund of the UJCVP Endowment Fund. Their investment ensures students in grades 8–12 can engage deeply with Holocaust history through poetry, prose and visual art.

Over the past quarter-century, thousands of students have participated in the competition. Each submission reflects not only a learning experience, but a personal journey - sparked by donors who chose to invest in education, tolerance and remembrance.

“Each entry demonstrates the power of young people to use creativity as a bridge between remembrance and understanding,” shared Holocaust Writing and Arts Committee co-chairs Marley Keefer and Michael Schulman.

The philanthropic support behind this program does more than fund prizes or materials. It empowers teachers to bring age-appropriate Holocaust education into their classrooms, provides students with curated prompts and resources and ensures survivors' stories continue to be told long after firsthand memories fade.

“Thank you for recognizing the importance of teaching tolerance to your students and empowering them to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust,” Director of Campaign and Community Impact Jessi Malkin shared with educators. “We look forward to receiving the thoughtful and moving submissions from students across the Peninsula.”

Because of donor generosity and committed educators, remembrance lives on in the words, images and voices of our youth.

The 25th annual Holocaust Writing and Visual Art Competition is open to all middle and high school students residing in, or attending school, on the Peninsula. Learn more at jewishpeninsula.org/holocaust-education. 

Please contact Jessi Malkin to learn about volunteer opportunities.