Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center

Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center 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 Hi**er's death camps. Riz vowed that if he survived he would dedicate his life to establishing a m

useum 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.

Our HAMEC Educator of 2026 award goes to Joshua Hibbs. Congratulations Joshua!
08/27/2026

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

Come hear survivor, Raymond P***k speak on Tuesday, September 15th from 6-8 pm at the Fallser Club. Community forum with...
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.

HAMEC speaker Dr. Ed Beck recently wrote an article in The Jewish Exponent on the work he does in fighting antisemitism ...
08/10/2026

HAMEC speaker Dr. Ed Beck recently wrote an article in The Jewish Exponent on the work he does in fighting antisemitism on college campuses called the Academic Engagement Network.

Dr. Ed Beck is a retired Professor of Psychology and Professional Counselor having served teaching and Counseling positions in the City University of New York, New York University, Rutgers University, Penn State-Harrisburg and the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Beck’s paternal Grandparents, Helene and Oskar, were successful haberdashers and art collectors living in Vienna with their son, 17-year-old son, Gustav, Ed’s father. Sensing things were getting dangerous for Jews with the rise of Hi**er in Germany, members of Oskar’s family moved to New York. Gustav was sponsored to come to NY by friends of the family. His parents followed a few months later. He was detained by the N**is on his way out and never talked about his experiences except in his testimony.


https://www.jewishexponent.com/edward-beck-huntingdon-valley-resident-returns-to-confront-campus-antisemitism/

On Sunday, August 2, the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center was honored to dedicate and officially name our...
08/03/2026

On Sunday, August 2, the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center was honored to dedicate and officially name our archives in memory of Donald Wittenberg, HAMEC's beloved curator for 25 years.
Don devoted decades of his life to preserving Holocaust history, caring for our collections, and ensuring that the stories of survivors would never be forgotten. His passion and dedication helped shape HAMEC into the organization it is today, and we are proud that his legacy will live on through the Donald Wittenberg Archives for Holocaust Education.
We were deeply touched by the incredible turnout of family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and community members who joined us for this meaningful dedication. Thank you to everyone who came to honor Don's remarkable life and lasting impact.
To read more about the dedication ceremony, check out The Philadelphia Inquirer article here: https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/holocaust-museum-curator-honored-20260802.html

This Sunday, community members and families gathered for a special community outreach and tabling event hosted by Kahal ...
07/28/2026

This Sunday, community members and families gathered for a special community outreach and tabling event hosted by Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia for their America 250 anniversary event.

Attendees of all ages stopped by the HAMEC table to connect with our team and explore vital educational materials. Visitors had the chance to browse historical literature and pick up informational resources detailing our upcoming museum programs. The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn how HAMEC preserves history to educate future generations and combat intolerance through our 2G speakers Linda Jaffe and Dan Schwarz and Curatorial Specialist Jacob Dupré.

Following the event, our team expressed immense gratitude to the community for their warm reception and to everyone who took the time to speak with us and support our outreach efforts.

We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful hosts at Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel for welcoming us, and to all the visitors who joined us for this meaningful afternoon of connection and education.

If you are interested in scheduling an educational program, booking a speaker, or organizing a guided tour of the museum, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to learn more.

You’re invited to our archive naming ceremony
07/09/2026

You’re invited to our archive naming ceremony

This Sunday, Holocaust survivor Mark Idisis shared his remarkable story with seniors from Keneseth Israel Synagogue befo...
06/30/2026

This Sunday, Holocaust survivor Mark Idisis shared his remarkable story with seniors from Keneseth Israel Synagogue before they enjoyed a guided tour of the museum led by HAMEC's Program Director, Jacob Dupré.
Mark recounted his family's journey during the Holocaust. His family fled their home in Moldova, then part of the Soviet Union, to Kazakhstan, where they found refuge alongside other Soviet evacuees before Mark was born in 1942. After the war, Mark built his new life in Israel, and later in the United States.
Following Mark's presentation, guests gathered in the museum for a guided tour led by Jacob Dupré, with a welcome and introduction from HAMEC President Chuck Felman.
We are grateful to Mark for sharing his family's story and to our visitors for joining us for this meaningful afternoon of remembrance and education. If you are interested in hearing Mark's presentation or scheduling a guided tour of the museum for your group, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to learn more.

📅 Save the Date! 📅Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15 as the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (...
06/17/2026

📅 Save the Date! 📅
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15 as the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC) celebrates our annual Gala at our new host location, Keneseth Israel!
✨ This year's evening will feature:
🏛️ Exclusive access to the museum throughout the event
🕯️ The premiere of a special joint exhibition presented by HAMEC and Temple Judea
🎉 An inspiring evening celebrating Holocaust education, remembrance, and our shared commitment to preserving history for future generations.
Stay tuned for:
🎟️ Early ticket sales
🌟 More info of this year's honorees
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities and event details
We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening of remembrance, education, and community.
Save the Date: Saturday, November 15!

As we have reached the end of another amazing year of school programming I am proud to report that our heroes have done ...
06/05/2026

As we have reached the end of another amazing year of school programming I am proud to report that our heroes have done 249 events reaching another 20,000 students. Other Holocaust organizations, who also do wonderful work, would be proud to have our numbers! Once again, over the last 15 years we have educated 400,000 young people across the entire United States and around the world. We are proud of our Survivors and their family members, who have changed the lives of thousands of young people.
Somewhere Yaakov and Sheila Riz are smiling!
And we should be grateful for the amazing work that our hard working and effective staff and volunteers are doing on a daily basis.
Our unfortunately increasingly important job continues. In these increasingly challenging times, what we do has never been more difficult and important.
So we must continue and even increase our efforts. Whatever you can do to make our mission more successful will be appreciated.
Continue to help us raise awareness of what we do. Continue to support our efforts by asking friends, associates and educators to join our team by setting up additional presentations for the next school year and contributing needed funds.
Stay well and energized!

Chuck Feldman
President HAMEC

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

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