Adam Mendelsohn, a 17-year-old from Orlando, raises funds for a Holocaust exhibit at Edgewater High to educate students about history and hate.
Adam wanted to create a more engaging way for students to learn about this dark chapter in history. He believes that experiencing it firsthand is way more impactful than just reading about it in a textbook.
Last week, more than 1,000 students and community members checked out the exhibit. It’s set to travel to other high schools and Rollins College soon. Adam, who leads the Jewish Student Union at his school, worked hard to make this happen.
The exhibit includes not only the cattle car but also artifacts like prisoner uniforms and Nazi propaganda. It’s a powerful way to educate and reflect on the past. Visitors even got to step inside the darkened cattle car, which really brought the experience to life.
Adam was amazed by the emotional response from attendees, with some leaving in tears. Rabbi Daniel Nabatian, who supports Jewish students in the area, noted that this exhibit is crucial, especially with the rise in anti-Semitism lately.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the consequences of hate, especially in today’s climate. Adam collaborated with the nonprofit Hate Ends Now to bring this exhibit to life, aiming to spark conversations about genocide and indifference.
He’s particularly concerned about the anti-Semitic posts he sees on social media, which echo the rhetoric from Nazi Germany. It’s a scary time, and he’s determined to make a difference.
With help from his dad, who’s into fundraising for cancer research, Adam secured donations from local foundations to fund the exhibit. School board member Stephanie Vanos praised Adam’s initiative, calling the experience moving and impactful.
She believes that real learning comes from immersive experiences, not just tests. Stephen Poynor from the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center also attended and commended Adam for his efforts.
