By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton sponsored a two-hour virtual tour of the Auschwitz concentration camp for the sophomore class at Susquehanna Valley High School on April 29. The tour was part of the Federation’s security outreach, which seeks to educate the local community about Judaism, antisemitism and the Holocaust. The class also read “Night” by Elie Wiesel. The tour sought to enhance students’ understanding of the Holocaust. Approximately 100 students were in attendance.

“I could not think of a more impactful way to teach a new generation of students about the Holocaust,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “Using Google Earth images, detailed explanations and photographs, Dr. Jerzy Wocjik, a professional guide at Auschwitz, had the students engrossed. I hope this is just the start of offering quality Holocaust education in our schools.”

Hubal added, “One of the take-aways from the needs assessment that Federation produced last summer was the need for more outreach to students. This virtual tour will help a new generation of Americans understand the scope of hate and terror that was endured during the Holocaust.