Alabama Holocaust Education Center

05/28/2026

A story marked by loss, survival, and resilience. This month’s honors Ernst Billig.

At just four years old, Ernst was sent away from his home on the Kindertransport, separated from his family in order to survive N**i persecution. His experience reflects the courage it takes to endure the unimaginable and rebuild a life after it.

By sharing stories like Ernst’s, we help ensure they are remembered for generations to come.

05/26/2026

A story of survival, loss, and resilience. Our this month honors Aisic Hirsch.

Aisic endured unimaginable hardship during the Holocaust, losing his family and living for years under a hidden identity just to survive. His journey is a reminder of the strength it takes to endure and the importance of remembering.

We share stories like Aisic’s, so they are never forgotten.

05/22/2026

From a single idea to a statewide mission rooted in remembrance and education.

Led by our founder, Phllyis Weinstein, what began as a volunteer effort within the Alabama Holocaust Commission grew into a dedicated organization committed to preserving Holocaust history and confronting bigotry. Built by educators, community members, and Survivors, the center was founded to ensure these stories are never forgotten.

Over time, the organization expanded its reach and impact, becoming a nonprofit in 2014. Today, the Alabama Holocaust Education Center continues to educate, connect, and inspire communities while carrying forward the stories of survival, loss, and resilience for future generations.

Learn more here: https://ahecinfo.org/about/

05/21/2026

We are deeply grateful to Mayor James D. Stewart and the for recognizing AHEC’s Executive Director, Lisa Bachman, with the Light in Our Community Award celebrating Jewish American Heritage month.

Mayor Stewart has consistently gone above and beyond in recognizing the humanity and dignity of every individual, and his leadership continues to set an example for what compassionate community building can look like. We are honored by this recognition and proud to partner with leaders who are committed to creating a more inclusive and understanding community.

We are also thankful for Irondale Councilor Erin Arnold for this nomination and for dedicating countless hours to making our greater community better.

Congratulations as well to all of this year’s incredible award recipients. Your work is making a meaningful difference, and we are proud to celebrate alongside you.

05/18/2026

We are honored to highlight Dr. Rebecca Erbelding as part of our Teaching the Holocaust Speaker Spotlight.

Dr. Erbelding has spent more than two decades as a historian, curator, and archivist at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), where she served as lead historian for the special exhibition Americans and the Holocaust. She holds a PhD in American history from George Mason University and is an award-winning author whose book Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America’s Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe received the National Jewish Book Award for excellence in archival research.

Her expertise has reached wide audiences through the PBS documentary The U.S. and the Holocaust, where she was featured and served as a historical advisor. She continues her work uncovering and sharing powerful stories, including her forthcoming book on Holocaust refugees at Fort Ontario.

In her session, Dr. Erbelding will share the story of Franz Goldberger, a Jewish professor from Vienna whose persistent efforts to seek help through letters ensured his story would not be lost to history. Through this lens, she brings to life the human dimension behind the historical record.

This session offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with history through deeply personal narratives and expert insight.

05/14/2026

We are honored to spotlight Stanlee Stahl, Executive Vice President of The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR).

Since 1992, Stanlee has led JFR with a deep commitment to honoring and supporting the non-Jewish rescuers who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Her work ensures that their courage is recognized and remembered for generations to come.

Stanlee brings decades of experience in public service and humanitarian work. She holds degrees from Miami University, George Washington University, and New York University.

In her session, Stanlee offers a unique and deeply moving perspective on moral courage, responsibility, and the importance of preserving these powerful stories.

This is a session that will inform, inspire, and stay with you.

Hear from Stanlee and several other distinguished Holocaust experts on June 2nd and 3rd. Spots are filling up fast. Register now!

https://ahecinfo.org/teaching-the-holocaust/

05/12/2026

Historian and attorney Dr. Haley Guepet brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the history of World War II and the Holocaust.

A Research Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National WWII Museum, she will explore The American Liberators: The U.S. Army and Germany’s Concentration Camps.

05/11/2026

We are proud to congratulate Jeremy Campbell on being selected as a 2026 Auschwitz Legacy Fellow as part of the team from the Alabama Holocaust Education Center!

This important fellowship helps educators deepen their understanding of Holocaust history and strengthen Holocaust education in classrooms and communities. We are thrilled to have Jeremy representing AHEC in this meaningful work.

Teachers, don’t miss the opportunity to hear Jeremy speak at our upcoming conference on June 2–3. His insights and passion for education will provide you with an incredible learning experience.

Learn more about the conference and join us as we continue the work of education, remembrance, and action.

Meet Jeremy Campbell, one of our 2026 Legacy Fellows.

Jeremy is a high school history teacher in Birmingham, Alabama. He received both a B.A. in history and M.A. in History Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In his 21 years in education, he has taught AP and Advanced U.S. History, as well as elective courses in Studies and the History of American Film.

When asked why he applied for the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship, Jeremy said, “I believe in the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its lessons for my students. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with this history, learn from experts, collaborate with others committed to education and remembrance, and contribute to meaningful discussions about tolerance and human rights. Ultimately, I will come away from this Fellowship with invaluable resources and insights that I can bring back to my classroom. The sensitive nature of the topic requires a respectful approach, ensuring that discussions honor the experiences of victims while fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue. This opportunity will empower me to foster these meaningful conversations, encourage critical thinking, and inspire my students to become informed and compassionate global citizens.”

Jeremy learned of the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship through ABMF’s partnership with

05/08/2026

May 8th marks Victory in Europe Day, the end of World War II in Europe, and the defeat of N**i Germany.

Holocaust Survivors emerged from camps and hiding places to find their families gone, their homes destroyed, and their communities erased. Freedom came with grief, uncertainty, and the challenge of rebuilding life from unimaginable loss.

VE Day reminds us not only of victory, but of resilience. Survivors carried forward their stories, preserving memories for future generations.

As we mark this day, we honor their strength and commit to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

05/06/2026

We are honored to spotlight Robin Cook, an AHEC Max and Betty Steinmetz Teacher Fellow whose passion for Holocaust education is shaping the next generation.

Robin is more than an educator. She is a dedicated advocate for remembrance and accuracy. Her work has earned her recognition as a Belfer Fellow, Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Fellow, and Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation Fellow, reflecting her deep commitment to preserving history with integrity and purpose.

At Cullman High School, Robin teaches English and AP Seminar while also mentoring students across athletics and multiple organizations. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

In her breakout session, Robin brings history to life with meaningful insights, real-world application, and thoughtful strategies for teaching the Holocaust with care and relevance.

This is more than a session. It is an experience that will stay with you. Register now: https://ahecinfo.org/teaching-the-holocaust/