Today’s foundation is The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center (HDEC). Founded in 1980, the non-profit organization seeks to present and preserve a historically accurate record of the Holocaust using eyewitness accounts from those who lived through it and survived, rescuers, and liberators. The organization also aims to teach people regardless of their background the Holocaust’s universal lessons using exhibitions and programming, highlighting the ongoing issues of prejudice, racism, bullying, and stereotyping.
Perhaps the HDEC’s greatest achievement is the role it played in mandating that all Florida public schools implement Holocaust education after then Governor Lawton Chiles signed the Florida Statute 1003.42.
The HDEC is currently working on introducing the South Florida Holocaust Museum which will include the names and faces of victims plus a fully restored rail car and a US Army M3A4 Sherman tank. Future visitors will also find photographs, documents, and other items related to the Holocaust. The HDEC currently has a research and reference library featuring over 5,500 books, DVDs, journals, and videos related to the Holocaust.
For more information about The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center, visit http://hdec.org or call 954-929-5690.
This foundation featured on The Jills Giving is one of the many unique foundations supported by The Jills team which includes Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Hillary Hertzberg, Danny Hertzberg, and Felise Eber. The Jills team strongly believes in giving back and we encourage you to visit The Jills Giving website to learn more about the various foundations we support as well as a little bit about the team.