Co-directors of the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) Holocaust Education Resource Center Dr. Harriet Sepinwall and Sr. Kathleen Flanagan flew to Jerusalem to attend the Sixth Annual International Conference on the Holocaust Education, July 7 – 10, 2008.

Hosted at the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, the Conference welcomed more than 700 educators from 52 countries. This year’s theme center on “Teaching the Shoah: Fighting Racism and Prejudice.”

Says Dr. Sepinwall, “Sr. Kathleen and I were honored to be invited by Yad Vashem to do a workshop about the work we are doing at the College.”

(l - r) Barbara Wind (MetroWest), Sr. Kathleen Flanagan (CSE), and Dr. Harriet Sepinwall (CSE) at the Closing Ceremonies. (Courtesy of Dr. Sepinwall) 

Both faculty members presented their workshop on, “Teaching the Holocaust to Diverse Students at a Catholic College: A Model to Combat Ignorance, Racism, and Anti-Semitism in Today’s World.”

The workshop highlighted the support of CSE administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni for Holocaust education and the various types of courses and programs that are offered on-campus.

“The response to our session was very positive. There was special interest from those who teach in Catholic schools and universities in other countries, who seek assistance and support in teaching about the Holocaust,” said Dr. Sepinwall.