Melinda Goldrich Named Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation Board of Councilors

The USC Shoah Foundation, the organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust and other atrocities, has announced the appointment of Melinda Goldrich as Chair of its Board of Councilors, effective July 1, 2025. She succeeds Joel Citron, whose term concludes at the end of the month. Goldrich currently serves as the board's vice chair and was formally elected to the new role during the Institute's June 3 board meeting in New York City.

Joel Citron

Joel Citron, Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation – Institute for Visual History and Education Board of Councilors, concluded his distinguished tenure on June 30.

Colloquium in Holocaust Studies Academic Year 2025-2026

The Division of Academic Programs at the USC Shoah Foundation invites applications from PhD candidates and early-career scholars for its Colloquium in Holocaust Studies. We welcome applications from scholars in any discipline whose research explores the histories and legacies of the Holocaust.

Colloquium on the Holocaust in the Balkans Academic Year 2025-2026

The Division of Academic Programs at the USC Shoah Foundation and the Shoah Lab at the University of Belgrade Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory invite applications from PhD candidates and early-career scholars for its Colloquium on the Holocaust in the Balkans. We welcome applications from scholars in any discipline whose research explores the histories and legacies Holocaust in this region.

Rising from Darkness: The Inspiring Journey of Holocaust Survivor Allan J. Hall

By: Jaclyn Wesler

In the face of history's darkest chapter, Allan J. Hall has become a beacon of hope and resilience, a Holocaust survivor whose life journey exemplifies the human ability to triumph over unimaginable adversity.

Jaclyn Wesler
Jaclyn Wesler has a lifelong passion for Judaism, Israel and community-building. She holds a bachelor's degree in social science from San Diego State University and a master's in security and diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. She moved north to Los Angeles three years ago to pursue her career, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Membership Engagement at Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue in Encino.

Jaclyn Wesler has a lifelong passion for Judaism, Israel and community-building. She holds a bachelor's degree in social science from San Diego State University and a master's in security and diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. She moved north to Los Angeles three years ago to pursue her career, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Membership Engagement at Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue in Encino.

Building Bridges

Holocaust Museum Los Angeles
100 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
United States

How does the physical displacement and emotional trauma of genocide shape cultural identity? Join for a meaningful dialogue as we explore this in depth with descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors and descendants of Holocaust survivors. This question defined a significant portion of the twentieth century for both the Armenian and Jewish communities in Los Angeles.

Panel conversation moderated by Jennifer L. Rodgers, PhD, Director of Academic Programs at the USC Shoah Foundation.

The Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument

In February, the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello, California, was officially recognized as a California State Historical landmark. In light of this recognition, join us for an on-site educational experience at the Monument for middle school and high school educators. 

Colleyville: A Story of Jewish Heroism and Triumph in the Face of Terror

In the safe haven of Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three others find themselves hostages when a stranger disrupts a typical Saturday morning at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dani Menkin, this gripping real-life drama documentary unfolds over an 11-hour standoff, testing their resilience and courage in unimaginable ways.

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