The Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program

We are pleased to announce the seventh year of The Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program for the 2005-2006 school year. The objectives of the Program are to promote tolerance and sensitize Canadian high school students to the consequences of racism including gaining an understanding of the vital role each person plays in the defense of human rights. In addition to bearing witness, participants will be capable of sharing their learning with others. This initiative takes a cross-cultural approach to addressing human rights issues.

The program includes the following components:

• Education sessions
• A trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
• Community Service (Chesed Project)
• Graduation

As a defining event in the history of the twentieth century, the Holocaust offers lessons about human nature and society, universal lessons that we can connect to other examples of prejudice and hatred. Learning the lessons of the Holocaust offers a profound introduction to the study of human rights.

One of the key lessons of the Holocaust is that indifference made the horror possible. Study and understanding of the Holocaust highlights the importance of personal responsibility, an essential quality of leadership.

Grade nine students from the Winnipeg Jewish community will be selected. There is a $250.00 fee per individual. Cost for travel, admissions, meals and accommodation are paid by the program. Participants are also responsible for their travel documents and spending money

Education Sessions

These sessions are led by experienced educators at the Freeman Family foundation Holocaust Education Centre located in the Asper Jewish Community Campus. Sessions will be held in the evenings over a period of nine weeks. These sessions will focus on a number of topics and issues, including: the Holocaust through history; literature and survivor testimony; European Jewry; the rise of Zionism and the birth of the State of Israel; and world issues. Participants will also keep a learning journal and meet regularly with their school chaperone.

The Trip

The program will culminate with a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.. The four day trip includes other sights of interest and is scheduled for the spring. The participants will be accompanied by school teachers, program administration staff, educators and chaperones.

Community Service (Chesed Project)

Community service forms a compulsory part of the program.  Participants will be required to perform 20 hours of community service. This chesed project must be pre-approved by program administrators and must be completed prior to travel.

Graduation

Students, parents, chaperones and the Asper Foundation participate in an evening ceremony celebrating the students' completion of this significant educational experience. This graduation ceremony is a compulsory part of the program.

Program Administrator

Generously Funded By 

The Asper Foundation is a private, charitable foundation established by Israel Asper in 1983. Developed to build upon the Asper family's philanthropic objectives, the Foundation has already undertaken major initiatives in the areas of culture, education, community development and human rights. The Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program, a cornerstone in the Foundation's human rights initiatives, already funds the visits of Grade 9 students from across Canada including the Gray Academy to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

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The Jewish Historical Society of Western Canada
Marion & Ed Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada
The Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre
Genealogical Institute of the JHCWC

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