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April 2026

Welcome to Gesher (‘Bridge’ in Hebrew) – JCRC's monthly impact newsletter to keep you informed on our work and the challenges and opportunities before our community.

JCRC Staff Column

Finding a home in America

The Holocaust survivor immigrant experience

photo: Darrell Owens Photography

Immigration and the American refugee experience are deeply intertwined with the Jewish values of freedom and welcoming the stranger. This theme is particularly poignant during Yom HaShoah, as it reflects on the historical context of welcoming refugees and the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today.

The impact of these experiences and the challenges faced by Holocaust survivors who immigrated only a generation or two ago are part of the fabric of the local survivor and descendant community.

In yesterday evening's Yom HaShoah commemoration, we witnessed Adela Peskorz, daughter of survivors Ida and Irving Zylber z"l, and Ben Cohen, grandson of survivor Judy Meisel z"l as they shared their family members' memories of survival and immigration. We invite you to read their survivor family testimony and become part of that transfer of memory.

Read their stories of survival, rebuilding and commitment to the promise of America

Leo Weiss Courage To Teach Award

Congratulations to Monica David, this year’s recipient of the Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award in recognition of her contributions to Holocaust education as a seventh-grade English teacher at Breck Middle School.

Monica was born in Romania, eventually relocating to the United States and now teaches at Breck Middle School where reading and writing serve as a vital lens through which to explore humanity and a foundation for cultural understanding. As an experienced middle school educator, Monica places growth beyond academic knowledge and skills at the heart of her practice. She strives to empower her students to become the best version of themselves – not only as readers and writers, but as thoughtful, engaged community members.

A nomination we received for her stated:

“… [Monica] represents what is best about education- helping students understand their world through history, literature, and learning and applying those lessons to their own lives within a moral and ethical society.”

JCRC Annual Event

Reclaiming Our Story, Featuring Sarah Hurwitz

Join JCRC for a conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, author of As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Shame, Blame, and Try to Erase Us – an urgent exploration of how antisemitism shapes Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition.

Her book has been praised as “Beautifully written and brilliantly argued, As a Jew is that rare book that defines an historical moment. The American Jewish awakening is upon us, and Sarah Hurwitz is its prophet.” — Yossi Klein Halevi, author of New York Times bestseller Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor.

Sunday, June 7, 5:30 PM, Downtown Minneapolis with

dinner and dessert reception

PURCHASE TICKETS

Become a sponsor | Advertise in our ad book | Can't make it? Consider a contribution

We thank our sponsors to date:

Platinum ($10K+) Hart & Susan Kuller; Kevin & Nancy Rhein; Lerner Publishing Group; Bryan & Nina Badzin; Mark & Debbie Glotter; Elmar Family Foundation; Barbara & Gary Krupp; Steve Lear; Gold ($5K+) Sharron Steinfeld; Mark & Beth Robbins; Wendy and Nissim Khabi; Jon and Robin Parritz; Bonnie & Steve Heller; Madeira Partners; Silver ($3K+) Raleigh and Rich Fromstein; Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation; Sholom Foundation; JFCS; CBIZ; Milavetz Law

More Upcoming Events

Transfer of Memory Exhibit

University of St. Thomas O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library

Now through April 30

This exhibition illustrates Holocaust survivors living in Minnesota, in their homes, in full color. Each is a story of survival during exceedingly difficult circumstances.

Map and hours | Learn more about Transfer of Memory

Violins of Hope

Hosted by the Minnesota JCC

Now through June 28

a world-renowned collection of 70 instruments that survived the Holocaust. JCRC will offer educational opportunities during this residency in schools and churches about how music took part in the Holocaust both as resistance and by force.

View the schedule

Twin Cities Erev Yom HaZikaron Commemoration

Monday, April 20, 7:00 PM

Israel's Memorial Day service centered on the messages left behind—letters, texts, voice notes, thoughts, and unsent words from those we have lost to war and terror.

Details and registration

Community Security Training: Stop the Bleed

Tuesday, April 21, 6:00-7:30 PM, St. Paul

Much like CPR training, everyone should know how to save a life from serious bleeding.

Twin Cities Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration

For Families: Sunday, April 26, 2:00-5:00 PM

For Adults: Sunday, April 26, 7:00-10:00 PM

Join us in celebrating Israel Independence Day.

Community Security Training: Awareness and Response

Tuesday, May 12, 6:00-7:30 PM, St. Paul

An introduction to situational awareness and countering active threats. When we are all trained, we can show up more proudly and confidently in our daily lives and sacred spaces.

Statements & Commentaries

When 'antisemitism has no place here' is not enough – There comes a point when a response meant to reassure begins to ring hollow

Advocacy Alerts

Tell Congress: Say NO to blocking critical arms sales to Isreal

Building Bridges

Recent impact highlights from JCRC

Education

Holocaust Educators' Cohort

Our 8 week online session has wrapped up, engaging 20 Holocaust educators from all over the globe. A note from a teacher in Portugal:

“It was a real pleasure to take part in the Holocaust Educators Cohort. I was very glad for the opportunity to participate and to witness firsthand the excellent work you and your team are doing. The impact your program has on teachers is truly meaningful, especially in such difficult and complex times.”

Education

Ko'ach Political Advocacy Fellowship

Our inaugural Ko'ach Political Advocacy Fellowship where college students build skills, relationships, and strength to advocate effectively on college campuses and with political leaders across Minnesota, is coming to a powerful close. After weeks of preparation, students are heading into 12 meetings with federal and state representatives and key university leaders—from presidents to student government and department chairs. They’ve put in tremendous work, and we are so proud of them.