CUJF Holocaust Education Center Newsletter

March 2026

Over 200 View When Time Stood Still Exhibit at Unity High School

Last month the Holocaust Education Center had the opportunity to partner with Unity Schools in Tolono, IL for the second year in a row to share our recently curated traveling Holocaust exhibit, When Time Stood Still: The Fate of Jewish Families and Communities during the Holocaust. This exhibit was also paired with panels detailing 15 stories of individuals local to Champaign-Urbana who were impacted by the Holocaust.

Over 200 students and community members were able to view the exhibit with a guided booklet and then discussed content with our HEC educators. We are grateful for Unity High and Middle School for their continued support of Holocaust and tolerance education, and look forward to continuing this partnership in years to come. 

Through Their Eyes: Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest 2026

Submission Deadline: March 16th

Back for the third year in a row, this contest challenges students in grades 5-12 to create artwork, poetry, prose, music videos, or film that highlights their talents while helping them connect to those effected by the Holocaust. Students can show off their creative ability while honoring Holocaust victims (Jewish and non-Jewish and who died or survived), resisters, rescuers, and liberators.

5 Best-In-Show Winners and supporting adults will win $100 prizes!

The deadline to submit is March 16th, 2026 at 11:59PM. Click the button below to learn more! 

This month we are excited to highlight two Central Illinois schools dedicated to holocaust education. The students at these schools have created Holocaust Museums that are open to the community to attend.

We are also offering several professional development opportunities for teachers across the state. Keep reading to check out these wonderful ways to continue your Holocaust education! 

Until next month, 

Azer Matten

(They/Them)

CUJF Community Engagement Coordinator

Courtney Smith

(She/Her)

Holocaust Education Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Carrie Franke 

Holocaust Education Committee Co-Chair