Are you a child of a Holocaust or genocide survivor?

 

A lit yahrzeit candle against a black background.

In summer 2025, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (CHGS) at Ramapo College convened two roundtable meetings for the children of Holocaust survivors. We sought insight into the needs of this important and underserved cohort and advice regarding the types of programs they desire most. This work increases in significance daily, as the survivor generation sadly, if inevitably diminishes in numbers.

We gladly welcome new members to join our growing group, including the children of parents who survived genocides other than the Holocaust. We look forward to your participation in our events and workshops, and to benefitting from your advice and suggestions. For more information or to join, please email Jacob Labendz at holgen@ramapo.edu.

Last year, we provided training to individuals interested in being trained to present in middle and high schools. The training is also available through the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education.

Events and Programs, 2026 – 2027

All times provided in eastern time.
See below for workshop information.

Artist-led tour of The Landscape of our Memory
Thu., Sep. 16 / 10:00 – 12:00 / Kresge Gallery

Let’s Talk: Objects that Remind (via Zoom)
Tue., Oct. 13 / 10:00 – 12:00 / Email holgen@ramapo.edu for link

All participants should select an object to present to the group, through which they can say something about their experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. We will keep to a strict 4-minute speaking limit, to ensure that everyone has a turn. If a sufficient number of people join, we may use break-out groups to facilitate more natural conversations.

Kristallnacht Commemoration
Mon., Nov. 9 / 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. / Special Collections Reading Room (LC-215), Ramapo College

Let’s Talk: TBD
Tue., Dec. 15 / 10:00 – 12:00 / TBD

From the Pen of Second Gen: Writing Workshop with Lori Myers

Headshot of Lori Myers holding a bookThe children of survivors have a story that only they can tell. These memories and their unique perspective of growing up with parents and other family members who survived the Holocaust should be expressed, written down, perhaps ultimately presented in a theatrical forum. Using prompts and other easy writing techniques, participants of From the Pen of Second Gen will explore what they saw and felt as children. The writing can be simple, dramatic, comedic, ironic. It can take the form of an essay, poetry, a play script, a cartoon, a vignette, a moment in time.

We held our first meeting on November 10th.

Our next meeting will take place on November 30. Please email holgen@ramapo.edu for the Zoom link and notes from our first meeting.