Dear Bill,

I am pleased to announce an extraordinary educational initiative under the auspices of the Republic of Poland, the American Service Academies Program, and the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation. This initiative is made possible through the dedicated efforts of Adrian Kubicki, Consul General of Poland; Aviva Miller, U.S. Director of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation; Simon Bergson, Chairman of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation; Jack Simony, Director General of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, Col. Krzysztof Stec - Poland's Senior Military Advisor, and Stanlee J. Stahl Executive Vice president of the Jewish Foundation of the Righteous.

Left Front: Aviva Miller - U.S. Director of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation

Center: Jack Simony - Director General of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation

Right: Adrian Kubicki - Consul General of the Republic of Poland

Background: American Military Cadets and Midshipmen

A select group of cadets from West Point, along with midshipmen from the Air Force, Coast Guard, Military, and Naval Academies, will embark on an intensive 16-day educational journey in Poland. This program is meticulously designed to immerse these future military leaders in the profound history of World War II and the Holocaust. They will visit key historical sites, including Auschwitz and the Birkenau State Museum, where they will gain firsthand insights into one of the darkest chapters of human history.

During their time in Poland, the cadets and midshipmen will study the complexities of the Holocaust, examining the systemic atrocities committed under the leadership of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. In less than five years, Auschwitz witnessed the murder of more than 1.1 million people. The majority, around 1 million, were Jews, with 75,000 Poles, 20,000 Roma, 15,000 Soviet POWs, and 15,000 prisoners of other ethnic backgrounds, including Czechs, Belorussians, Yugoslavians, French, Germans, and Austrians. This historical context will provide the Military Students with a sobering understanding of the scale and impact of the Holocaust.

Bill Tinglin and Adrian Kubicki - Consul General of Poland

• Middle Front: Simon Bergson - Chairman of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation. Background: Polish Leaders, Educators, Cadets, and Midshipmen

The educational program is structured around critical topics such as antisemitism, racism, diversity, genocide, and the prevention of mass atrocities. The cadets and midshipmen will explore these themes in depth through lectures, site visits, and discussions. They will engage with scholars, historians, and Holocaust survivors, gaining diverse perspectives on the moral and ethical challenges faced during this period.

A significant focus of the program is on the military's ethical responsibilities. The cadets and midshipmen will reflect on contemporary moral and ethical issues, drawing parallels between the past and present. This will include discussions on the military's role in upholding human rights, preventing genocide, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within its ranks.

This program is designed to instill a profound sense of ethical responsibility in future military officers by confronting them with the stark realities of the Holocaust. It offers a transformative learning experience shaping their leadership and decision-making abilities throughout their careers. Participants will gain a heightened awareness of the critical need for vigilance against hatred and bigotry and a steadfast commitment to promoting justice and human dignity.

The educational journey in Poland is a unique and privileged opportunity for these aspiring military leaders. It provides a profound engagement with history, a space to reflect on their ethical responsibilities and a platform to emerge as informed and compassionate leaders. This immersive experience will challenge them to understand the implications of their roles in preventing atrocities and fostering a culture of integrity and respect within their ranks.

This initiative, supported by the collaborative efforts of the Republic of Poland, the American Service Academies Program, and the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, underscores the enduring significance of Holocaust education and remembrance.

Chairman: Simon Bergson, Director General: Jack Simony, Executive Committee: Daniel M. Eisenstadt, James Schreiber, Directors: Stefany Bergson, Brianne Berkson-Gluckstern, Suzanne Miller, David G. Marwell, Shiri Sandler, Robert Weiner, Wayne Zuckerman, Aviva Miller, Director, Erica Evans, Development and Operations Manager, Tomek Kuncewicz - Director, Maciek Zabierowski, Director, Dr. Artur Szyndler, Curator, Aleksandra Kuncewicz, Administration, Karolina Turza, Education Coordinator, Kamil Gut, Educator. For further info, contact Avia Miller at amiller@ajcfus.org

Respectfully yours,

Bill Tinglin

Chairman

Tour for Tolerance

I am thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of our book and curriculum, Humanity's Darkest Hour—A True Story of the Holocaust, on July 28th, 2024. This book and its accompanying curriculum are rooted in my profound experiences working with and drawing inspiration from Holocaust survivors living in the United States, Eastern Europe, Germany, England, and Israel.

Humanity's Darkest Hour presents a comprehensive narrative of the origins and horrors of the Holocaust, crafted in collaboration with esteemed historians, scholars, educators, and survivors to ensure its credibility and depth. The curriculum is meticulously aligned with the New York Next Generation Learning Standards and embodies the core values of the United States Department of Education. Additionally, it supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to inspire transformation, education, and action toward a more equitable society.

This work offers a fresh and invaluable perspective from an African American from Brooklyn, New York, providing students, educators, and the world with a unique and enriching educational experience.



Please stay tuned for more updates.

Left: Mitya (Samuel) Bykov - One of the World's Youngest Holocaust Survivors. Middle: Sally Frishberg - Holocaust Survivor

Right: Inge Auerbacher - Holocaust Survivor

Soldiers of Valor, Liberators, Holocaust Survivors, and a U.S. Marine

Sami Steigmann- Holocaust survivor, & Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Holocaust survivor