Students at the Calgary Jewish Academy had the rare opportunity to engage in a deeply meaningful learning experience thanks to the support and dedication of Calgary Jewish Federation, whose commitment to Holocaust education continues to bring impactful programs to our students and school community.
World-renowned advocate Jonny Daniels visited the school to offer our Grade 6–9 students an unforgettable window into his work. Sharing stories of the last living Righteous Among the Nations, Daniels told of remarkable acts of courage taken by those who risked everything to help Jewish people escape, hide, and survive during the Holocaust – challenging students to consider what they might do when ‘doing the right thing’ comes with tremendous personal risk.
During his visit, CJA welcomed Holocaust survivors and their descendants for a deeply meaningful moment as part of the Survivor Torah Project. Daniels shared a rescued Torah scroll that had been hidden in a Polish village since 1939, now travelling the world to be completed by survivors. One by one, they carefully inscribed a letter in the unfinished Torah, honouring the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and ensuring their stories live on.
CJA students were not simply learning about history, they were witnessing it. The moment was described as profoundly moving and filled with an indescribable energy, as students watched resilience and remembrance come together before them. For many, it was an experience that will stay with them for years to come.
CJA extends a heartfelt thank-you to Calgary Jewish Federation for making experiences like this possible and for their unwavering commitment to educating and inspiring our youth.