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Galloway, N.J. - Irvin O. Moreno-Rodriguez, program assistant of the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at ��˾��������, was recently named to the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education. He was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy after making it through the final selection process. He will serve in this role for 12 months, Sept. 1, 2021-Sept. 1, 2022. The core mission of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education is to promote the education of the Holocaust in the State of New Jersey.

He sat down to talk to us about what this appointment means for him, his passion for Holocaust Education and what he hopes to gain from this experience.

 

Can you tell us how you felt once you learned about your selection to this commission?

I am honored by this appointment and I look forward to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities this position necessitates. I am thankful to Governor Murphy and his administration for providing me with the opportunity to be a critical part in teaching and continuing the lessons and legacies of the Holocaust. I specifically want to highlight the words Governor Murphy wrote in his letter to me, “Holocaust education can improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.” I represent the students, educators and community members of South Jersey, where I grew up. I am honored to be their representative, and especially proud to work at the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at ��˾��������. The Center is a leader and pioneer in Holocaust and genocide education. The only other member of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education who represented ��˾�������� and its Holocaust Resource Center was former president, Dr. Vera King Farris, from 1983-2003.

The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center has made me aware of the importance of Holocaust and genocide education in South Jersey schools. This is confirmed by the growth of ��˾��������’s Dual Credit High School Program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at 32 South Jersey high schools. As a member of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, I know we will continue this positive trend in South Jersey.

 

I know you have been very active in ��˾��������’s Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center. Can you talk a little about how this relates/will correspond to your work at ��˾��������?

I am an example of the impact and importance of earning the undergraduate Minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. From the first time I stepped foot in the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center in 2011, I felt the importance of learning about the Holocaust.

Throughout my four undergraduate years at ��˾��������, I was inspired to think critically and advocate for people worldwide facing antisemitism, xenophobia, displacement and crimes against humanity. I was a criminal justice major at ��˾��������, and immediately after graduation, I was employed in that sector and worked successfully in the field for three years. However, I soon realized my passion was making a difference by sharing the knowledge I gained at ��˾�������� from earning my minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. I am now making a difference by sharing this knowledge with students, educators and community members who participate in visitations, activities and programs sponsored by the Holocaust Resource Center. We are all dependent on each other, and yes, one person can make a difference to make a better future. Learning lessons from the Holocaust can empower everyone.

 

What do you hope to learn from being part of this commission?

I hope to make a difference as an active member of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education.

As an undergraduate ��˾�������� student, local Holocaust survivors became my mentors, and they would repeatedly tell me, “Irvin, you are going to do great things in the future.” For a long time, I thought they were just being nice to me. Now, I realize their words were not of mere encouragement, but they were words of hope in fulfillment of the promise I had made while earning the Minor in Holocaust & Genocide Studies at ��˾��������, the promise of "Never Again."

I want to learn from the other members of the Commission. I also want to add to their knowledge about current issues and topics related to our educators, students, and community members today. We must adapt to the needs created by the impact of COVID-19 in our local South Jersey communities and throughout New Jersey. All have been affected by the pandemic and we must plan for the future as to the method of delivery for teaching the history of the Holocaust and other genocides. We must continue these lessons to make a better future with positive approaches for success.

Moreno-Rodriguez graduated from ��˾�������� in May 2015 and is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (MAHG) graduate program.

Reported by Mandee McCullough