In observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2026, Georgian Court University is hosting a series of events to educate the community about the past while honoring Jewish heritage, traditions, and voices, ensuring these stories and lessons are carried forward into the future. All events are free and open to the Georgian Court community and the public.
“This programming is looking at the continuation of Jewish identity and Jewish culture beyond the Holocaust, as well as the educational component and the impact of the Holocaust,” said Dr. Marci Mazzarotto, Associate Professor of Communication & Department Chair of Communication and Graphic Design.
“My hope is that people not only learn something new, but are inspired to take action,” she said. “Antisemitism is real, and genocide didn’t end with the Holocaust. It continues in different forms today. These events are a moment to reflect, learn, and act,” she explained.
EVENTS
Holocaust Remembrance
Monday, January 26, 2026 – Friday, February 13, Sister Mary Joseph Cunningham Library, Mondays – Thursdays 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sundays 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. View the campus map for location.
Explore a curated selection of books and an educational exhibit highlighting Holocaust history.
Learning to Unlearn: Dismantling Prejudice and Social Biases
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 2 p.m., Little Theatre
A panel discussion featuring Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek, Dr. Lori Nixon, and Sarah Shikarchy ’27, examining ways to confront prejudice in society.
Holocaust Survivor: Manny Lindenbaum
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3 p.m., Little Theatre
Holocaust survivor and peace activist Manny Lindenbaum will share his story. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with a firsthand witness to history.
This event is sponsored by the Sister Maria Cordis Richey Center for the Humanities & Creative Arts.
The Road to Krasnostav
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 3:30 p.m., Little Theatre
Screening of the documentary The Road to Krasnostav, which follows descendants of Ukrainian Jews as they trace their family histories. Producer Leo Vayn will discuss the research behind the film and the work of the Tsal Kaplun Foundation (TKF), which preserves Jewish culture, heritage, and communities in former Soviet regions.
Celebrating Jewish Artists: Opening Reception
Thursday, January 29, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Geis Gallery, Second floor of Jeffries Hall
Opening reception and refreshments, sponsored by Georgian Court’s Communication Program and curated by Dr. Marci Mazzarotto. This group art exhibition will feature 18 works by professional Jewish artists. Several artists will be in attendance.
Display is open: Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Thursday, February 12, 2026, Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Intergenerational Trauma & Embodied Critical Witnessing
Tuesday, February 3, 4:30 p.m., Sister Mary Joseph Cunningham Library
Panel discussion with Kristen Park Wedlock, Dr. Lori Nixon, Dr. Sachiko Komagata, and Anthony Sadorski, analyzing trauma and memory across generations.
Bridging Beliefs: An Interfaith Dialogue
Thursday, February 5, 2 p.m., Little Theatre
Panel discussion featuring Dr. Johann Vento, Dr. Annie Humphrey, and Sarah Shikarchy ‘27, fostering understanding across religious communities.
HONORING HISTORY, INSPIRING ACTION
Dr. Mazzarotto’s vision for university-wide, community-facing annual programming around Holocaust Remembrance first began last spring. It was inspired by her collaboration with Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., a world-renowned Holocaust and Genocide Studies scholar, Sister of Mercy, and deeply respected educator whose work and spirit continue to shape this initiative.
Holocaust survivor and legend, Manny Lindenbaum, who will speak on Holocaust Remembrance Day, was recommended to Dr. Mazzarotto by the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education (Chhange) at Brookdale College. She emphasized the importance of hearing from survivors while they are still with us.
“I think it’s essential for everybody to engage, hear the stories of Holocaust survivors, and be inspired to continue sharing them,” she stated.
Dr. Mazzarotto was drawn to The Road to Krasnostav film project because it highlights an often-overlooked aspect of Holocaust history, the devastation of Jewish communities in Ukraine, where entire populations lost their lives. The documentary also follows the pilgrimage of descendants returning to these sites, creating a strong connection between history and lived memory.
“This story doesn’t really exist anywhere else,” she stated. “That’s what makes it so powerful, and why I’m really glad we’re able to share it.”
Then, following the film, the opening reception of the Celebrating Jewish Artists exhibit will recognize living, professional Jewish artists. “All of the pieces here are incredibly powerful in their own way,” she expressed. “I think it’s so important to celebrate life, to celebrate art, and, within Holocaust remembrance, to celebrate Jewish artists. This exhibition truly embodies that spirit.”
Dr. Mazzarotto noted that while different events have been held over the years, this is the first time a comprehensive program has been scheduled in observance of Holocaust Awareness, a new tradition she hopes to continue.
