On April 23, the Community Foundation’s Blanche Beerman Holocaust Museum Fund was recognized at the 2025 Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust. The commemoration, which took place at the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol, is an annual event remembering the survivors and the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust.

This year’s commemoration emphasized the importance of the phrase, “Never Again”; that it is not just a slogan, but a promise to ourselves and to future generations that we have a responsibility to uphold. Many of the speakers issued a call to action for us to not only remember the cruelty that occurred during the Holocaust, but to understand what led to it, and commit ourselves to ensuring it does not happen again to any group of people.

Among those speakers, was State Representative Dan Frankel, who recognized the late Abe and Janet Beerman for their commitment to educating generations of students about the Holocaust.

“It falls to us—all of us—to carry their [Holocaust victims and survivors] memory forward,” said Frankel. “In that spirit, I want to recognize the work of Abe and Janet Beerman, Pennsylvanians who understood the importance of remembrance. In the 1990s, they established a trust to educate students about the Holocaust, a remarkable program that has since taken over 25,000 students from across Pennsylvania to the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, teaching generations about the dangers of hate and the power of bearing witness.”

The Beermans established their fund to give students a first-hand educational experience about the Holocaust. For many of the students who attend the trip, it is their first time visiting Washington D.C. and for some, it is their first time traveling outside of our region. It is a life-changing trip for students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to see in person artifacts, photographs, and videos related to this horrific event.

“The Beerman’s understood that history does not preserve itself,” continued Frankel. “Once the survivors are gone, it becomes our responsibility to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust endure. With solemn events like this one and through vital efforts like Abe and Janet Beerman’s [Blanche Beerman Holocaust Museum] Fund, we reject the efforts to distort, to deny, or diminish, the truth of the Holocaust.”

Other speakers included Governor Josh Shapiro, Rabbi Carl Choper, and several legislators including, Senator Devlin Robinson, Senator Judy Schwank, State Representative Jordan Harris, and State Representative Jesse Topper.

Due to the benevolence of the Beermans, generations of students throughout our region will have the opportunity to partake in this transformative experience. To donate to the Blanche Beerman Holocaust Museum Fund, click here. If you are interested in scheduling a trip for your school district, contact our office.