What History Teaches: Between Terror and Resilience – Jewish Life in Nazi Germany
Program Presented by: Holocaust Museum LA
Description coming soon
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12:00 pm Pacific Time
(3:00 pm Eastern Time, 2:00 pm Central Time, 1:00 pm Mountain Time)
Throughout the 1930s, German Jews were caught in a cycle of relentless terror created by the Gestapo and targeted laws designed to strip away their dignity. As they desperately sought escape and refuge, most countries made immigration exceedingly difficult. Neighbors who were once friends now ostracized them. Their children were pushed to the back of classrooms, they were banned from park benches, and they lost their jobs. Amid constant persecution and prejudice, Jews fought to carve out small crevices where their humanity and identity could survive. They formed creative support networks, shared information, and leaned on community resilience. In these acts, we see the ingenuity and courage with which Jews created spaces of dignity, connection, and hope.
About Our Speaker:
Jordanna Gessler
Jordanna Gessler serves as Chief Impact Officer at Holocaust Museum LA, where she oversees Education, Archives, Exhibits, and Visitor Services. A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience, Jordanna is known for her visionary approach, deep commitment to Holocaust education, and ability to create transformative experiences that connect history to contemporary issues. With a passion for impactful storytelling and immersive learning, she spearheads innovative exhibitions, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships that expand the museum’s reach and impact.
A granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she deeply understands the importance of preserving Holocaust memory and advancing education on antisemitism, building empathy, and the power of museums. Jordanna studied Holocaust history as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont and as a graduate student at the University of Haifa and holds a Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism from Spertus Institute. She conducted research in Yad Vashem’s Righteous Among the Nations Department and won the 2014 Yad Vashem Award for Research.
Beyond the museum, Jordanna is an active leader in Jewish and civic engagement. She was named a Wexner Davidson Fellow, serves on the Board of the Council for American Jewish Museums (CAJM), which contributed to President Biden’s White House’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemites, and sits on several steering committees. Passionate about animal rights, education, and community building, she lectures internationally and writes on using history as a tool for shaping a more just future.
Date
- Nov 13 2025
Time
Pacific- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
