Who We Are

A Brief History

Decades ago, Jews in the Upper Midwest were excluded from much of American life. Many employers would not hire Jews, some communities were closed to Jews, and even some restaurants wouldn’t serve Jews. In fact, notable essayist Carey McWilliams proclaimed in 1946 "Minneapolis is the capitol of anti-Semitism in the United States. In almost every walk of life, 'an iron curtain' separates Jews from non-Jews in Minneapolis."

Groups whose sole purpose was anti-Semitism, abounded in the 1930s and 40s. One of the largest was the Silver Shirts, who marched through the streets and published newsletters filled with hatred toward Jews.

Today, the mission of protecting the Jewish community is alive within the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Its immediate predecessor, founded by Samuel Scheiner in 1939, participated in the great transformation of attitudes toward the Jewish community and other minorities. Highlights include JCRC advocacy for fair housing and employment practices in the late 1940s, the principles of which were embodied in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The JCRC advocated for Israel after the Jewish state was created in 1948 and did advocacy work on behalf of Soviet Jews in the 1960s and 1970s.

The advocacy continues today, along with wonderful inclusive, interactive and informative programs for children, students, adults, members of the Jewish community and other faith communities, and many other people in the general community.

JCRC at 80

Online Zoom Class

Holocaust Educators Cohort

Holocaust Educators Cohort

Join our Holocaust Educator Cohort (Grades 6-12) to access our primary source packets that help students understand how and why the Holocaust happened.

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rose on barbed wire

The Power of Place: 2024 JCRC Educator European Summer Institute

The Power of Place: 2024 JCRC Educator European Summer Institute

June 17– 29, 2024
Visit Warsaw, Berlin and Prague

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Transfer of Memory (Exhibition)

Transfer of Memory (Exhibition)

Bring this photography exhibit to your community for a one-of-a-kind Holocaust education opportunity.

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Transfer of Memory (Book)

Transfer of Memory (Book)

The JCRC and David Sherman Photography announce the production of our book: Transfer of Memory.

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One Day Trip to Washington D.C. (USHMM)

One Day Trip to Washington D.C. (USHMM)

Trip date: April 16, 2024

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Violins of Hope

Violins of Hope

MAY 1 – JUNE 20, 2026

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Holocaust Education Speakers Bureau

Holocaust Education Speakers Bureau

Connect a Holocaust survivor or descendant to your group.

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Learning Through Legacy

Learning Through Legacy

Generations After MN

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Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day

Save the date for Sunday, May 5, 2024

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The Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award

The Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award

The JCRC honors a teacher or school whose passion, dedication, and excellence elevates the teachings of the lessons of the Holocaust in Minnesota and beyond.

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Witnesses to the Holocaust

Witnesses to the Holocaust

Stories of Minnesota Holocaust Survivors and Liberators.

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Minnesota Holocaust Films

Minnesota Holocaust Films

Add these short original documentaries to your curriculum.

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National History Day in Minnesota

National History Day in Minnesota

2021 Theme: “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding” Each year, the National History Day office chooses a theme to help students direct their research. Students must make a connection […]

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Kindertransport – Rescuing Children on the Brink of War

Kindertransport – Rescuing Children on the Brink of War

The exhibition, Kindertransport – Rescuing Children on the Brink of War, illuminates the story of the Kindertransport (German for “Children’s Transport”), the astonishing rescue effort that brought approximately 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi Germany to Great Britain and other countries, including Sweden between 1938 and 1940. 

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Light from the Yellow Star

Light from the Yellow Star

Dr. Robert Fisch’s book, Light from The Yellow Star: Lessons of Love From the Holocaust, teaches middle and high school students about the Holocaust.

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