From Hate to Hope, Designed for Learning:
Inspiring Upstanders
Welcome to the future Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. Our mission is to be a resource to teach about the Holocaust with the goal of inspiring students and other visitors to become advocates that act to work toward a world without antisemitism, hatred and bigotry. Through interactive exhibits and personal stories, we honor the memory of the 6 million who died at the hands of the Nazi perpetrators and celebrate the resilience and the courage of the survivors who exemplify the value that Judaism places on “not standing idly by” through being an upstander, never a bystander. Join us in exploring this critical chapter in history.
The center is currently in the capital campaign phase. Construction will commence in July 2025, and we are committed to opening our doors in April 2027.
A Powerful Tribute
The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center (HFHEC) grew out of a plan by the Arizona Jewish Historical Society to create a museum to preserve and share the artwork of Arizona artist Robert Sutz. Sutz, whose father’s family perished in Nazi concentration camps, began creating Holocaust-related art as a way to pay tribute to honor survivors, liberators, and righteous gentiles to ensure their stories and lessons of hope and resilience are never forgotten.
The HFHEC will be a 31,000 square-foot facility built on the grounds of the Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, the site of Phoenix’s first synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel which opened on October 30, 1921.
Guided by the values of remembrance (zakhor), life (chai), and repairing the world (tikkun olam), the center will commemorate the memory of 6 million Holocaust victims, including 1.5 million children, and celebrate the resilience of survivors.
Preserving History
The internationally renowned museum and exhibition design firm G&A is designing the Center’s exhibits masterplan. The new galleries will tell the story of the Holocaust through immersive digital multimedia experiences, while the galleries in the historic Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center (Phoenix’s first synagogue built in 1921) will be dedicated to a Jewish Life & Heritage exhibit and include special exhibits that explore historical and contemporary antisemitism, survivor experiences after 1945, racism, other genocides, and crimes against humanity. The exhibits will promote mutual respect and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.
Combating Hate
The center aims to combat hate and intolerance by educating visitors about antisemitism and promoting inclusivity. Through immersive exhibits and community events, it the HFHEC will inspire individuals to stand-up against hate. A key focus is the Jewish Life & Heritage exhibit, along with special displays on antisemitism, survivor experiences post-1945, racism, and other genocides. These initiatives foster mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities.
Uplifting Hope
The center uplifts hope by honoring the resilience of those who faced unimaginable hardships and sharing stories of courage and survival. Through education and remembrance, the Center promotes compassion, understanding, and unity, inspiring a future free from hate and embracing diversity and peace.
Join Us in Preserving History and Inspiring Future Generations
Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States, but it is the only one of its size that does not have a Holocaust museum or education center. Our plan is to raise $45 million: $35 million for the building and related costs, and $10 million to create an operating endowment.
The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center will focus on educating Arizona students in grades 7-12 by hosting school tours, and lectures, and providing Holocaust-related curricula and other resources for teachers. The Center will also engage residents and tourists alike to visit, expecting total annual attendance of 50,000.
Insights & Updates
Stay updated on our Holocaust education programs and events. Discover educational resources, articles, and stories that enhance your understanding of history’s relevance today. This section is for educators, students, and lifelong learners dedicated to combating hatred and bigotry through knowledge and action.
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The Hope Chest
Hope Chest is a curriculum and complete set of teaching resources designed to immerse students in Holocaust survivor Oskar Knoblauch’s memoir, A Boy’s Story, A Man’s Memory: Surviving the Holocaust 1933–1945.
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Students & Education
A key focus of our new center will be to provide educational programs for students throughout Arizona.
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The State of Arizona’s Department of Education Presents $7 Million Check
The Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center will educate 50,000 Arizona students annually through immersive exhibits on the Holocaust and other genocides.
Thank you to our partners and supporters for helping us realize our vision.
Your dedication to preserving history and promoting education inspires us to create a lasting impact. Together, we build a legacy of remembrance and hope. View our donors.
