Since 2010, inSIGHT Through Education has worked to strengthen Holocaust education in Palm Beach County public schools, helping educators teach the lessons of the Holocaust while giving students the tools to recognize and stand against antisemitism, prejudice and hatred.

This work closely aligns with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s commitment to confronting antisemitism and building a safer, more informed community. Thanks to increased community support this year, Federation provided funding for two inSIGHT field studies in Washington, D.C., one for administrators and one for educators. Federation’s support made the educator trip possible, expanding the reach of this important work across Palm Beach County schools.

Through immersive experiences, survivor testimony, powerful exhibits and guided conversations, participants explored the Holocaust, the African American experience and Jewish life in America. The field study encouraged educators to reflect on resilience, identity, belonging, and the consequences of hatred and silence.

At the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, educators walked alongside Holocaust Survivor Mary Eckstein and heard her firsthand testimony. The experience offered a deeply personal understanding of the lives affected by the Holocaust and reinforced the importance of helping students recognize antisemitism, prejudice and dehumanization before they escalate.

“I want to humanize individuals and the communities that they come from,” said Dr. Presley Charles, Principal of Howell L. Watkins Middle School.

“Federation’s support allows us to give educators experiences that go far beyond what can be learned from a textbook,” said Roneet Edrich, Executive Director of inSIGHT Through Education. “When educators return to their classrooms with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, antisemitism and the consequences of hatred, those lessons reach thousands of students and help shape a more compassionate and informed community.”

Participants returned to their campuses with new perspectives, resources, and firsthand experiences that will help them teach difficult history with greater depth, empathy, and humanity.

The impact extends far beyond the individuals who traveled. Each educator has the potential to influence nearly 3,000 students, creating a powerful ripple effect and demonstrating how Federation’s investment in one educator can help shape an entire school community.