In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, middle school students from Grandview Preparatory School participated in a moving and meaningful Living History experience on May 13, held in partnership with From March to Miriam.
This year, From March to Miriam expanded its impact, becoming a valuable community resource by partnering with local schools, synagogues, and organizations. Through these collaborations, students had the meaningful opportunity to learn with—and from—local Holocaust survivors. In addition, the program continued its survivor-student matching initiative, fostering personal connections. By engaging directly with survivors, students are empowered to bear witness, take on the responsibility of becoming ambassadors of memory, and are inspired to ask deeper questions about history and humanity.
Students began the day with a sweet and meaningful experience, taking part in a Challah-making class led by Iris Dohoa. While braiding dough, they learned about traditional Jewish culture and the importance of community and passing down stories through generations.
Following the class, students engaged directly with local Holocaust survivors through a powerful intergenerational program. They listened to first hand testimonies of resilience, courage, and hope. The students asked thoughtful questions, shared personal reflections, and honored the survivors by bearing witness to their experiences.
This Living History experience helped students connect with the past on a deeper level. By engaging with living testimonies, they gained a meaningful understanding of the Holocaust and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Students heard powerful firsthand accounts from survivors, including Alex, who shared his harrowing journey through the Holocaust and the long, emotional path to rediscover his identity after reuniting with his mother.
“From March to Miriam is more than a program, it’s a bridge between generations,” said Stephanie Nichol, Director of March of the Living Southern Region. “By connecting students with Holocaust survivors in such a personal and meaningful way, we’re not only teaching history, we’re empowering the next generation to become guardians of memory. Experiences like this ensure that the voices of survivors live on through those who hear them.”
On this meaningful day, the students became witnesses. By listening to and carrying forward these stories, they take on the vital responsibility of preserving history and honoring the legacies of those who lived through it.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is proud to support programs like From March to Miriam, a grant-funded initiative made possible through the Jewish Women’s Foundation (JWF), that bring history to life, foster empathy, and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust and Jewish heritage continue to inspire a more compassionate and informed future.
