When a St. Louis-based white supremacist group waves Nazi flags over local highways or marches through downtown Columbus chanting hate, the ripple effects are felt close to home. Antisemitism isn’t a distant problem for St. Louisans—it’s an issue confronting us in our workplaces, schools and public spaces.
On the right, image taken Oct. 5 in Town & Country, Mo.
Against this backdrop, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is stepping forward with a new initiative designed to equip individuals and families with the tools to combat hate. Launching in early 2025, the museum’s new Virtual Classroom aims to take Holocaust education far beyond its walls and into the hands of those who need it most.
“The videos in the Virtual Classroom are an excellent introduction to the work we do at the museum,” said Amy Lutz, the museum’s director of marketing and communications. “We worked with JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council)to produce a video on antisemitism that doesn’t just lay out the history—it provides practical, step-by-step ways to respond when you see or experience it.”
A timely tool for individuals and families
While the initiative is ideal for classrooms, the Virtual Classroom offers critical resources for individuals and families grappling with today’s climate of hate. Its concise five-minute videos tackle topics like media literacy and antisemitism, making them accessible to all.
“These videos were designed for eighth graders and older, but they’re short and engaging enough to work for families too,” Lutz explained. “We encourage parents to watch first to gauge if the material is appropriate for younger children, then start with the ‘Overview of the Holocaust’ and ‘Top 5 Questions About the Holocaust.’ These foundational pieces set the stage for broader discussions about hate, tolerance and allyship.”
Beyond the classroom: Tools for everyday allyship
In addition to video resources, the Virtual Classroom includes glossaries, recommended reading lists and a collection of common questions designed to deepen understanding. The media literacy module equips viewers with skills to learn how to separate fact from fiction in today’s misinformation-heavy world.
“Our goal is to provide tools for personal growth,” Lutz said. “These resources help individuals understand how narratives of hate take root and, more importantly, how they can combat them.”
For more information or to support the initiative, visit the Museum’s website.
