What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm

Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center

Name: Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center
Address: 8339 Old York Road, Suite 203/205, Elkins Park, PA, 19027, US
Telephone: +12154644701
Price range: Not Applicable

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Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center

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The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center is America's first Holocaust Museum. Initially, the museum was housed in the basement of Riz's home.

It was founded by Holocaust survivor Yaakov Riz in 1961 and currently operates at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park. The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center, America's first Holocaust museum, was founded in 1961 by survivor Yaakov Riz, who lost 83 members of his family in Hitler's death camps. Riz vowed that if he survived he would dedicate his life to establishing a museum that would memorialize the millions of Jews and Non-Jews who perished at the hands of N**i barbarism. The museum's genesis, its growth and its struggle against intolerance are the realization of his dream, his courage and his commitment. In the five-county area that we serve, the museum's educational and community outreach is ecumenical and comprises a population that ranges from elementary school school (grade 5) to senior citizens. Many of the students we work with come from disadvantaged homes. Some of our students are newcomers who have fled countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Serbia. During the last 50 years, tens of thousands of students have visited the museum. We, in turn, have presented thousands of Holocaust programs in schools and to community groups and organizations. Our efforts are designed to emphasize the message that racial, ethnic, and religious hatred are the social poisons that weaken the American democracy.

10/19/2026

HAMEC hosted 2 schools today in United Kingdom 🇬🇧 with survivor, Ralph Rehbock. The feedback from school: It was a truly meaningful experience and our pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Ralph and hear his story.
What a privilege it was to listen to him speak about his experiences as a survivor. Hearing his story first-hand was incredibly powerful and gave our pupils a valuable opportunity to learn about history in such a personal and moving way. I’m sure it is something they will remember for a long time. HAMEC hosts programs all over the world. Contact us for more information if your school is interested.

10/16/2026

Big Shout Out to Upper Moreland High School and SD for hosting Hate Ends Now Cattle Car exhibit for their students. HAMEC hosted this exhibit last spring and we are so moved that Upper Moreland High School teachers and administrators wanted all their students to have this experience. If your High School or School District would like to host this exhibit, please contact HAMEC to learn more.

10/13/2026

On Sunday, October 11th, the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center gathered to honor the victims of the Babi Yar massacre.

On September 29–30, 1941, 33,771 Jews were murdered by N**is and local collaborators in Kiev. These were mainly women, children, the elderly, and ill. Approximately 30% of those killed, were children under the age of eight, left in the care of their grandparents. Eighty-five years later, our community came together to read their names, share their stories, and ensure they are never forgotten.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Shalom Memorial Park and Dignity Memorial for generously providing the space for this service.

Our deepest thanks to our guest speakers: Rabbi Isaac Leizerowski, Steve Schmidt, Dr. Sue Elliott, Honorable Thomas Murt, Commissioner Susan Worth-LaManna, Jonathan Schmalzbach, Marina Kats, Simon Vinokur, Gedalia Vinokurov, Marina Cherepinsky and Jacqueline Cherepinsky.
Finally, we recognize Mark Idisis for continuing the vital work of organizing this annual memorial, carrying forward the meaningful tradition originally established by Holocaust survivor Klara Vinokur.

10/05/2026

HAMEC stands with our community in condemning the antisemitic and racist vandalism at the Glenside Weldon property.
The community park was defaced with swastikas and racial slurs, including the N-word, spray-painted on pavement and playground equipment. The property is owned by the Abington School District and is used by numerous community organizations.
There is no place for antisemitism, racism, or hate in our community—or anywhere. The shared history and struggles of Black and Jewish communities remind us that when one community is targeted, the safety and dignity of all communities are at stake.
We stand in solidarity with our Black and Jewish neighbors and reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another. HAMEC remains committed to educating against hate, confronting prejudice, and building a community where everyone is safe and respected.

09/30/2026

Join us for Or Hadash's Annual Kristallnacht Program.

Sunday, November 8th, 2026 at 11am.

09/29/2026

Please join the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center as we honor and remember those who perished at Babi Yar.

Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 11am
Shalom Cemetery
Babi Yar Memorial
25 Byberry Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

09/22/2026

“Last chance to register for this event you won’t want to miss!"

09/16/2026

Today, the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC) is proud to announce the opening of our latest exhibition, Fragments of Memories: Shared Collections of Survival in Elkins Park, PA.
The exhibition explores the artifacts Holocaust survivors carried with them when fleeing Europe and examines the powerful stories these objects continue to tell. Through these shared collections, Fragmented Memories considers how survivors, their descendants, and the public preserve and carry forward the memory of resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
HAMEC is honored to have co-curated this exhibition alongside Rita Poley of the Temple Judea Museum. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preserving these important histories and educating the public about the Holocaust and the enduring impact of mass atrocities across generations.
We invite you to experience Fragmented Memories: Shared Collections of Survival and reflect on the stories, memories, and acts of resilience preserved within these artifacts.

08/27/2026

Our HAMEC Educator of 2026 award goes to Joshua Hibbs. Congratulations Joshua!

08/18/2026

Come hear survivor, Raymond P***k speak on Tuesday, September 15th from 6-8 pm at the Fallser Club. Community forum with Rep Tarik Khan and Rep Mary Jo Daley.

Address

8339 Old York Road, Suite 203/205
Elkins Park, PA
19027

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12154644701

Website

https://hamec.org/

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