The Pacific Northwest is a region rich and varied in its stories, people, landscape, religions, and cultures. Celebrating these differences while working for the common good was important to our benefactor, Jack Murdock, and it is one reason we are grateful to celebrate the important contributions of different peoples, faiths, and cultures throughout the year and how their work enriches our entire region.
The month of May was named Jewish American Heritage Month by George W. Bush in 2006. Ever since, those in the United States have taken this moment in the year to honor the incredible contributions of Jewish American individuals and communities to our nation’s history and culture. As antisemitism continues to threaten the safety of individuals and families around our region and across the country, it is more important than ever that we stand in support of organizations working to create an inclusive community for all.
The Murdock Trust is grateful to partner with a number of organizations across the Pacific Northwest who support our Jewish American communities and help us learn from their experiences. From museums and memorials to educational centers and summer camps, these organizations help us all to remember the history of the Jewish people, celebrate their current successes, and prepare for their future flourishing by pouring into future generations.
Here are just a few of the organizations doing this important and inspiring work:
Located in downtown Portland, the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE) explores the legacy of the Jewish experience in Oregon. Through exhibitions, films, readings, discussions, concerts, and education programs, OJMCHE reaches more than 35,000 people annually, teaching universal lessons of the Holocaust and inviting opportunities for intercultural conversation.
B’nai Brith Camp provides youth-centered summer camps on the Oregon coast and year-round programming for all ages that support individual growth and enduring Jewish legacy. Day camps, overnight camps, family camps, outdoor adventures, leadership cohorts—B’nai Brith offers it all. For over 100 years, it has been a true kehila (community) of many ages, abilities, denominations, languages, and backgrounds.
In the heart of Boise, ID lies the only Anne Frank memorial in the United States, accompanied by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. The Center continues the conversation about the tragedies and triumphs of our global history that the memorial, and Anne Frank’s story, begin. Through educational programs, resources for confronting antisemitism and racism, contests, exhibits, and more, the Center encourages deep conversation about the importance of human rights and dignity for all.
The Holocaust Center for Humanity in downtown Seattle inspires visitors to confront bigotry and promote human action through teaching the lessons of the Holocaust. The Center tells the stories of local survivors, their families, and millions of other victims through exhibits, events, community programs, and education, such as their Ambassadors for Change cohort, “Stories Among Us” traveling exhibit, a Poland Holocaust tour, writing contests, and more.
For over 65 years, Camp Solomon Schechter has been providing fun, friendship, and Jewish education to children in the Pacific Northwest. The camp nurtures the next generation of Jewish Americans through its flagship summer camp and its spring education program, which offers 500-700 students from low-income schools lessons in ecology, team building, and leadership. When camps aren’t in session, the beautiful facilities are used as a retreat center for the local community and broader Jewish community.
Thanks in part to the good work of these organizations and others, Jewish individuals and communities across our region are given opportunities to flourish while reminding us all of the importance of their stories.
To each of these organizations and others, todah rabah! Thank you!
