The Center for Humanistic Education on the campus of The Ghetto Fighters' Museum joins Jewish, Arab and Druze students in dialogue throughout the year with programming that is designed to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding. Since September 2004, twenty-two "Introduction Days" for 1500 students have been held at the CHE. One hundred graduates of last year's programs representing 20 schools in northern Israel, kicked off this year's official programming with a reunion at the CHE on October 20. Graduates will continue to meet once a month for an afternoon of fully facilitated activities and dialogue at the Center. The CHE also runs three annual courses for 60 Jewish and Arab educators and has year-round seminars such as the "Neighbors" seminar, multi-cultural summer seminars and special, highly acclaimed programs for police officers.

New Wing Opens at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum
Hundreds of supporters gathered on March 2, 2008 for the official opening of the new wing at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum. Among the many dignitaries attending the ceremony were the French and the Lithuanian Ambassadors to Israel. There were also representatives of Holocaust memorial organizations, donors, and friends of the Museum. Israeli President Shimon Peres sent a letter congratulating those who contributed to the new exhibitions. President Peres expressed appreciation for the Museum’s educational message, and emphasized the Museum’s dedication to commemorating the past while looking toward the future. Simcha Stein, Director of GFM, thanked the American, Austrian, and French Friends of GFM for their assistance to the Museum. Abraham Pressler, the representative of the Claim Conference in Israel, and Simone Veil, the honorary president of the Foundation for the Memory of the Holocaust in France, officially inaugurated the new exhibitions. The new wing, erected in the core of the original building, holds several new exhibitions, including the Yizkor Hall and the Hall of Testimony, which contains the main message of the Museum and tells the story of the founders of Kibbutz Lochamei Hagetaot.

On August 24, 2008, the American Friends of the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum will hold a gathering in Sherman Oaks, California, hosting Raya Kalisman, director of the Center of Humanistic Education at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum. Guests will listen to a presentation about the Center and will watch a video illustration that work of the Center’s educators.

Garden of Peace: You can dedicate a tree or bench at the Ungar Educational Building at the Ghetto Fighters' Museum by contacting Jgrossman@gfh.org.il.