The Julius and Dorothy Koppelman Holocaust / Genocide Resource Center

The destruction of European Jewry in World War II, the most appalling example of genocide in all of recorded history, happened in the lifetime of many of us and continues to haunt us by the sheer magnitude of its human destruction and the diabolical nature of its plan and execution. That the holocaust was accomplished by one of the most civilized nations on earth is as enigmatic as it is appalling.

In the belief that this historic disease - for it is such - must be laid to rest with all other now defunct human plagues, educators and concerned citizens worldwide have instituted courses of study and research centers devoted to understanding the "why" and "how" of genocide.

In 1984, building on its tradition of Holocaust and genocide studies, Rider University established the Holocaust/Genocide Resource Center. Its mission is to gather and disseminate educational material and to explore the ramifications of the Holocaust and other genocides through holding conferences, discussion groups and workshops. The Center serves the University, other institutions of higher learning, secondary and primary schools, and the community.

In 1993, the Center was renamed to honor Julius and Dorothy Koppelman whose commitment and generosity has guaranteed the Center´s continued existence.

In 2019, to provide a broader awareness of the events surrounding the Holocaust and genocide to the students of Rider University, in addition to the outside community, the Center was relocated to become a part of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). The literary resources for The Julius and Dorothy Koppelman Holocaust/Genocide Resource Center of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion may be found through the Franklin F. Moore Library.

The Center is a member of the Association of Holocaust Organizations (AHO) and a founding member of the New Jersey Association of Holocaust Organizations (ANJHO).

Activities

The activities of The Julius and Dorothy Koppelman Holocaust/Genocide Resource Center of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Rider University include, but are not limited to:

• Annual Passover Seder Dinner with Hillel, Catholic Campus Ministry, “Greater Within” Campus Ministry and other student interfaith campus groups
• Panel discussions involving student interfaith campus groups, faculty, and staff
• Guest speakers on campus to discuss the Holocaust and the “why” and “how” of genocide
• Interaction and collaboration with the local community synagogues and their leadership
• Interfaith discussion groups in which Holocaust/Genocide and prejudice issues are considered by clergy of various faiths
• Workshops for high school teachers on Holocaust/Genocide topics in collaboration with The College of Education and Human Services at Rider University
• Workshops for K-8 and middle school teachers on prejudice and prejudice reduction strategies in collaboration with The College of Education and Human Services at Rider University
• Annual Dorothy Koppelman Memorial Holocaust Lecture (Spring)
• Annual interfaith commemorative programs for Kristallnacht (Fall) and Yom HaShoah (Spring)
• Annual Joan Levine Keats Social Justice Education Grants to elementary, middle, and high school teachers to further the teaching of Holocaust/Genocide and prejudice reduction