United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presents 'The Holocaust as History and Warning'

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presents “The Holocaust as History and Warning” on Monday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Audrey and Sydney Irmas Campus in Los Angeles. Moderator Dr. Wendy Lower, John K. Roth Professor of History, George R. Roberts Fellow, and Director of Mgrublian Center for Human Rights, Claremont McKenna College, will lead a discussion with Speaker Dr. Timothy Snyder, Housum Professor of History at Yale University. The event is presented in association with Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

Today, fears that were familiar in Hitler’s time are being revived, asserts Dr. Snyder. The evening’s discussion will pull from his new book, “Black Earth,” which offers a provocative perspective on the origins of the Holocaust. Dr. Snyder’s analysis urges guests to learn the lessons of the past—and better understand their own nature—before it’s too late.

“We are privileged to be able to work with Wilshire Boulevard Temple again to present such a compelling topic and dynamic speaker as Dr. Snyder,” said Steven Klappholz, the Museum’s director of the Western Regional Office. “These presentations are essential in furthering Holocaust education with our partners in the community through public programs, panel discussions and traveling exhibitions, among other means.”

In the 23 years since it opened, the Museum has educated and inspired more than 38 million visitors, including more than 10 million children and nearly 100 heads of state. A permanent reminder on the National Mall in Washington of what can occur when the world fails to take action, the Museum inspires citizens and leaders alike to confront hate and indifference, end genocide and promote human dignity.

The Museum’s work is having a significant impact – here in Southern California and around the world. Hundreds of Los Angeles area schoolteachers – and thousands more from all 50 states – are trained each year in how to make the Holocaust relevant and meaningful to young people. The Museum’s leadership programs are inspiring California judges, police and military officers to heed the lessons of the Holocaust and understand their roles as safeguards of democracy. The Museum brings together policymakers, diplomats and heads of state to focus on ending the continuing scourge of genocide.

The Museum is also presenting “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda” traveling exhibition that’s now open through August 21 at the Los Angeles Central Library. The exhibition promotes new understanding about the nature and consequences of propaganda and illustrates the Nazis’ use of the latest, most sophisticated technologies and techniques to disseminate propaganda. It chronicles their use of propaganda to win votes in a democracy, to consolidate power in a dictatorship, and to create a climate of indifference as they persecuted and systematically murdered Jews and others viewed as enemies of the state. The exhibition asks visitors to consider—and act—upon the lessons and implications of this powerful history. The Los Angeles Central Library is located at 630 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

“The Holocaust as History and Warning” presentation is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Individuals interested must register at ushmm.org/events/los-angeles. Contact the Museum’s Western Regional office at 310.556.3222 or email at western@ushmm.org with questions.

Wilshire Boulevard Temple, The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Campus, is located at 11661 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064.

Through its national campaign Never Again: What You Do Matters, led by honorary chair Elie Wiesel, the Museum seeks to make critical investments to keep Holocaust memory alive as a relevant, transformative force in the 21st century. The $540 million comprehensive goal includes building a stronger endowment, increased annual fund, and new Collections and Conservation Center. Visit www.ushmm.org/campaign to learn more about how you can join us in this urgent effort.

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.

Photo: German troops forcibly open the Polish border crossing in Sopot, near Danzig, on September 1, 1939. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Yad Vashem