Human Rights After The Holocaust
“Why human rights and why now?” At OJMCHE we have consistently honed into our mission, understanding how American Jews helped build American pluralism. Regrettably, the tragedy of the Holocaust is embedded in this way of life and is also an inescapable part of world history. As we know all too well, the end of the World War II in 1945 did not bring a new world of kindness and dignity, rather it brought further atrocity and violence that continues to this day. In short, it is incumbent upon this museum — founded on democratic ideals — to illuminate the saga of human rights since the Holocaust. We understand that the content is distressing. But it is also rich with stories about real people — human rights workers and people like all of us — who find ways to make positive change.
OJMCHE is grateful to the Roundhouse Foundation and donors to the Campaign for the Future for generous support of this exhibition.
Virtual Tour of the Oregon Holocaust Memorial
The idea for the Oregon Holocaust Memorial was conceived in 1994 by a local group of Holocaust survivors. Their goal was to honor the memory of those who were murdered in the Holocaust, and to educate people about the horrific consequences of hatred and discrimination.
This self-paced and self-guided tour virtual tour makes it possible for anyone to visit the Oregon Holocaust Memorial from wherever they are located. As with an in-person tour of the Memorial, this virtual experience provides an opportunity for remembrance and reflection.
Good Trouble
With John Lewis (February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020) in mind we asked our community to share the ways in which they have participated in “good and necessary trouble” over the years. The sentiments conveyed in the images represented in this digital exhibition portray a number of social movements – environmental, anti-war, social justice and others – and remind us that using our voices to foment positive change is a venerable Oregonian tradition. At OJMCHE we work to make connections from the past to the present in order to create a better future for all.