Maryland Students Gain Access to Holocaust Museum Through Generosity

A heartfelt initiative has transformed the educational landscape for thousands of students in Maryland, allowing them to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. What began as a simple request from a teacher has evolved into a significant regional effort, sending approximately 3,500 students from 38 schools to the museum each year.

In 2021, Kimberly Shreeve, an English teacher at Snow Hill Middle School in southern Worcester County, faced a daunting challenge. Her school, serving a high-poverty community, wanted to take a class of 100 students to the museum as part of a unit on resilience and the Holocaust. The financial burden, however, was overwhelming. “The cost was far beyond what the school or the families could afford,” Shreeve explained.

Determined to find a solution, Shreeve and her students wrote handwritten letters to various potential donors, hoping for a few contributions to cover expenses. One letter caught the attention of Warren Rosenfeld, an Ocean City businessman and Holocaust survivor. His response exceeded their expectations.

“My jaw dropped,” Shreeve recalled. “We never have anybody do something like that for our school. Sometimes we feel a little forgotten.” Rosenfeld not only agreed to fund the trip but offered to cover the entire cost. “My wife and I will pay for the whole trip,” he stated without hesitation, highlighting the personal significance of the project to him and his family.

For many Snow Hill students, the trip represented more than just an educational excursion; it signified a sense of belonging and care from the community. “These kids felt like somebody cared about them,” Shreeve noted. “It teaches generosity and kindness. There’s so much more to it than just a trip to D.C.”

A Growing Initiative

The impact of Rosenfeld’s generosity sparked a broader movement. Since that first trip, the initiative has expanded significantly. In the current year alone, around 3,500 students from various schools in Maryland and Delaware attended the Holocaust museum. This was made possible through a combination of fundraising efforts, community support, and the establishment of the Rosenfeld Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

Rosenfeld, who founded the chain of Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen restaurants, has a deeply personal connection to the Holocaust, with several family members who survived the atrocities. His commitment to educating young people about this history has become an essential aspect of his life. After funding the initial trip, he requested to meet with the students to share his family’s story, which included assembling photos and slides of their experiences during the Holocaust.

“I just felt bursting with pride,” he shared. His passion for this cause resonated with others, leading to an influx of support from various schools. In the previous year, Rosenfeld aided eight schools in making the trip, raising approximately $50,000 through social media campaigns, donations, and partnerships with Jewish organizations.

As word spread, interest surged from around 80 schools wanting to participate. This year, nearly two dozen Maryland schools and 15 schools in Delaware joined the initiative, with Holocaust survivors speaking at schools in Delaware through the Jewish Federation. Rosenfeld made it a point to visit or arrange visits with all participating Maryland schools.

Educational Impact and Community Engagement

The initiative has also broadened students’ understanding of Jewish history and culture. Many participants come from backgrounds with little exposure to such topics. Rosenfeld noted, “Part of it is simply explaining what a Jewish person is. It opens their minds and gets them thinking.” He emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions, stating, “Now they understand that I don’t have a tail or horns – I’m not some different species.”

Rosenfeld’s commitment to the cause is particularly timely, given the rising incidents of anti-Semitism and violence globally. He referenced a recent shooting in Australia and the passing of prominent figures in the Jewish community, expressing the urgency of fostering understanding and compassion among youth. “Every time there’s something like Australia or like Pittsburgh – we just can’t believe it and then we’re just angry about it. There’s no reason for this,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the journey from that first letter to the expansive initiative it has become, Shreeve expressed gratitude for the profound impact of Rosenfeld’s generosity. “We’re this tiny rural school, and someone stepped up in a huge way,” she said. “For our kids, that meant everything.”

For more information about the initiative and how to contribute, visit www.rosenfeldsjewishdeli.com/rhefund. Those interested in supporting this educational mission can also contact Eastern Shore bureau chief Josh Davis at [email protected] or on social media.