Institute for Holocaust Education

Today we remember Anne Frank on what would have been her 97th birthday, honoring a voice that continues to echo across generations. In the midst of fear and hiding, she wrote with honesty, curiosity, and a remarkable sense of hope. Her words remind us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can still reach for light, understanding, and compassion.

Anne’s story is not just a moment in history, it is a call to reflect on how we live today. Her belief in kindness, even when surrounded by cruelty, challenges us to choose empathy and stand against injustice. At the Anne Frank Center, we strive to carry this forward every day by educating, inspiring, and encouraging people to build a more just and compassionate world.

IHE is proud to announce that Kati Larson has been named our 2025–2026 Volunteer of the Year!

Kati currently serves as Director of Education at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has been recognized nationally as a United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow.

A dedicated educator and trusted leader, Kati has made a lasting impact through her many years of service to IHE. She has helped engage students in transformative educational experiences, including The Children of Willesden Lane, the Anne Frank Traveling Exhibit, and Searching for Humanity through her work with the Samuel Bak Museum.

Kati brings humility, scholarship, and purpose to her work, embodying the mission of Holocaust education through service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to empowering future generations.

Please join us in congratulating Kati on this well-deserved recognition!

Pictured are IHE Executive Director Scott Littky, Volunteer of the Year Kati Larson, and IHE Education Director Jane Nesbit.

Our staff was honored to be recognized at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Awards Ceremony as we celebrate 25 years of the Institute for Holocaust Education.

For a quarter century, IHE has worked to ensure that the history and lessons of the Holocaust are taught with accuracy, humanity, and purpose. What began as a local initiative has grown into a nationally respected organization, reaching educators, students, and communities across Nebraska and beyond.
This recognition is a reminder of why this work matters. In a time of rising antisemitism, hate, and misinformation, Holocaust education helps people understand the consequences of prejudice, the importance of standing up to injustice, and our shared responsibility to protect human dignity.

Through education, remembrance, and dialogue, we are committed to ensuring that the testimony of Holocaust victims and survivors continue to inspire learning, empathy, and action for generations to come.

Thank you to all who have supported our mission over the last 25 years. We look forward to continuing this important work together. To learn more about our work, please visit our website: https://ihene.org/

As this school year has come to an end, we begin looking ahead to the new year with exciting opportunities. We’re pleased to share that new program dates for the 2026 - 2027 school year will be released soon, helping educators plan ahead and thoughtfully integrate meaningful Holocaust education into their curriculum.

From traveling exhibits and student contests to professional development and community programs, there will be a wide range of offerings to support your classroom goals and enrich student learning experiences.

We encourage you to keep an eye on our website for these upcoming announcements and secure opportunities that best fit your schedule. Early planning ensures your students can take full advantage of these impactful programs.

https://www.ihene.org/

Heard of the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National Conference for Holocaust Education?

It’s a premier professional development opportunity hosted by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This free, online conference will take place June 22 - 24.

We encourage educators to register for the conference which offers impactful strategies for teaching the Holocaust with accuracy and depth, guided by leading historians and experienced educators. Participants can attend sessions live or access recordings on demand, making it easy to fit into your summer schedule. Topics include working with primary source artifacts, adapting lessons for diverse learners, and incorporating new historical research into your classroom.

The deadline to register is June 14, 2026. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to strengthen your teaching practice and prepare for the year ahead.

https://www.ushmm.org/teach/opportunities-for-educators/belfer-education-conference

Have you signed up for TODAY’s Lunch & Learn yet?

In this virtual discussion, Kelly Tichauer-Kirk will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of intergenerational trauma, drawing from her graduate research in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and her personal family history as all four of her grandparents were Holocaust survivors.

Kelly Tichauer-Kirk is a Realtor and Holocaust educator based in Omaha, Nebraska. A third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, Kelly serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Institute for Holocaust Education and as a Nebraska Jewish Historical Society board member. She shares her family’s story through public speaking and education to inspire others and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

To Register: https://igfn.us/form/x1OUhg

Did you know? 👀

Have you been interested in attending our virtual Third Thursday Lunch & Learn series, but haven’t had the chance to join us live?

Our Lunch & Learn sessions are archived on our YouTube channel, giving you the opportunity to explore meaningful conversations, educational presentations, and important historical insights anytime that works for you.

Watch, learn, and help keep Holocaust education and remembrance accessible for all. Be sure to follow us on social media, so you never miss a session.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSSiQl-xeGRLdY0Qrve68YZOSjzCcZbSb&si=4CrWciYEJJOFUL6a

Institute for Holocaust Education Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

One week until our May Lunch & Learn! In this virtual discussion, Kelly Tichauer-Kirk will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of intergenerational trauma, drawing from her graduate research in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and her personal family history as all four of her grandparents were Holocaust survivors.

Kelly Tichauer-Kirk is a Realtor and Holocaust educator based in Omaha, Nebraska. A third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, Kelly serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Institute for Holocaust Education and as a Nebraska Jewish Historical Society board member. She shares her family’s story through public speaking and education to inspire others and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

To Register: https://igfn.us/form/x1OUhg

Did you miss the incredible portraits and artwork on display at Eisenberg Gallery at the J as part of Art & the Holocaust? Don’t worry, you can still experience it. We’ve created a digital gallery featuring the 2025–26 artists, now available on our website. Take a moment to explore these powerful works from wherever you are.

https://ihene.org/for-students/art-the-holocaust/