When I was asked to be the chair of the capital campaign for the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, I had absolutely no hesitation. I had never done anything like this before, but because this project is of such importance, I was willing to take on the challenge. We raised $21.5 million in 2.5 years, broke ground last November and plan to open in late summer 2022. I’m so thankful for every one of you who has joined us on this journey.

I know the new Museum is what is going to resonate with our community and beyond. This is the future of how we learn about the Holocaust. The atrocities of the Holocaust will push us to recognize our own biases, have honest dialog, and hopefully come away with tools to never allow this to happen again.

In the Jewish tradition, we are taught to take a place in the world. Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is of the utmost importance. My hope is for the region to come to the Museum and be inspired to do their part once they are in their own community.

So thank you again for all of your support. We will continue to teach future generations about the history and lessons of the Holocaust so that we all might work to create a more compassionate and understanding world.

In gratitude,

Carol Staenberg, Capital Campaign Chair, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum