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Nissan Foundation Awards Grant in Support of Voices of the Holocaust: Exploring History, Literature, and Social Justice in the Classroom

July 23, 2024

The program, which is open to 8-12 grade educators, explores history, literature, and social justice to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of diverse cultural heritage

The Nissan Foundation has named The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) as a 2024 grant recipient. The Nissan Foundation grant will help fund “Voices of the Holocaust: Exploring History, Literature, and Social Justice in the Classroom,” a program designed to enhance the teaching of Holocaust history through personal memoirs and historical context, emphasizing social justice.

“Receiving the Nissan Foundation grant is an incredible honor for our center,” said Ruth Bergman, Director of Education for The Zekelman Holocaust Center.

“This support will provide educators with essential resources to teach the Holocaust, ensuring students understand this pivotal period and its relevance to contemporary social justice issues. Memoirs offer personal reflections but lack a larger historical context. Our program enriches understanding by helping teachers convey the conditions and environments in which these writers lived, emphasizing that memoirs are subjective pieces of a larger narrative.”

The Nissan Foundation is awarding a total of $1.2 million in grants to 44 nonprofit organizations for its 2024 grant cycle. The nonprofit recipients are in Atlanta, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Middle Tennessee, New York City/New Jersey, Southeast Michigan, and Southern California – all locations where Nissan has an operational presence.

“We’re honored to support the work of The Zekelman Holocaust Center,” said Chandra Vasser, President of the Nissan Foundation and Nissan’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “The Nissan Foundation is about building community by valuing diversity, and this program from The Zekelman Holocaust Center brings that mission to life.”

In the 32 years since its inception, the Nissan Foundation has awarded nearly $17 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations to support innovative programs that break down societal barriers and build inclusive communities through education and outreach. Grant recipients promote cultural diversity across a variety of arts, education, social, and public programs in seven U.S. communities where Nissan operates.

The HC is dedicated to educating the public about the history of the Holocaust and its enduring impact on the world. Through exhibitions, educational programs, survivor talks, and community outreach, The HC fosters an understanding of the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and discrimination, while putting the voices of Holocaust victims and survivors at the forefront.

“We’re thrilled that The Nissan Foundation is able to help bring this vital program to educators across Michigan,” said Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of The Zekelman Holocaust Center.  “This grant will enable us to expand our reach and impact, and empower educators across the state. It’s vitally important the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten and continue to inspire future generations to stand up against injustice.”

The Nissan Foundation was created in 1992 as a thoughtful response to civil unrest that occurred near Nissan North America’s then U.S. sales and marketing operations in Southern California following the Rodney King trial verdict. Nissan established a $5 million endowment to promote cultural diversity.

Nissan Foundation grants are awarded annually. Nonprofit organizations working to bring diverse cultural perspectives, experiences, and voices to communities across the country may be eligible to apply for a Nissan Foundation grant. Learn more about all the 2024 Nissan Foundation grantees at NissanFoundation.com. For more information about the Nissan Foundation and its application process, visit the Nissan Foundation page.

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