EPHM was founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen, a Holocaust survivor from Lithuania. The museum began as a one room display with a few books, posters and personal memorabilia in the El Paso Jewish Community Center. Today, EPHM has more than 4,000 square feet of permanent exhibition space and is one of only 13 free standing Holocaust museums in the United States and one of only two presented in a fully bilingual format.

Amid rising levels of antisemitism and xenophobia in our community, El Paso Holocaust Museum is working hard to combat this hatred and injustice with education and connection. Central to EPHM’s mission is a commitment to diversity through education in order to combat prejudice and intolerance.

EPHM is continually working towards creating a more equitable society through our educational programming, outreach, and community events. A few ways that this is achieved is free admission to the museum, an online virtual tour of the galleries, and comprehensive educational programs offered at no cost to participants. Our teacher trainings, student-centered programs, and classroom resources ensure that educators have the tools they need to foster critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility. Engagement through educational programming, community events, and outreach will inspire students and visitors alike to recognize their responsibility to remain vigilant against hate speech and promote core ideals of democracy, tolerance, and human dignity.

I am fundraising for El Paso Holocaust Museum because I believe it is imperative to keep the history of the Holocaust freely accessible to visitors and students. All of EPHM’s programming, resources, docent-led tours, and events are offered at no cost to the participant or visitor. As the EPHM’s Development Coordinator, I have seen the profound effects the museum and its programming have had on visitors, students, educators and participants from the region and around the country. At this critical time in history, education on the dangers of fascism and the importance of upholding human dignity and is incredibly important to creating a democratic society that values critical thinking and equality.

Your generosity this Giving Day is crucial to creating a society of compassionate, inclusive individuals.