About
The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh (HCP), a program of The Tree of Life, connects the horrors of the Holocaust and antisemitism with injustices of today. Through education, we seek to address these injustices and empower individuals to build a more civil and humane society.
History
The HCP was founded in 1980 by Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
Our Work and Philosophy
At the heart of our work is the strategy of connecting the history of the Holocaust and the issue of antisemitism to real people.
Our annual programming includes public programs and events, exhibits, and educational opportunities that cultivate a deeper understanding of both the Holocaust and antisemitism. We organize three annual commemorations, including Yom HaShoah, Kristallnacht, and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and numerous public events throughout the year.
Our school-based and community-facing educational programs and trainings empower individuals and communities to respond collectively to the growing threat of antisemitism and other forms of prejudice.
Teachers report that their students connect more deeply with the lessons of the Holocaust when they hear from a Generations speaker or read the real-life stories shared in our comic books series CHUTZ-POW!. The personal connections we build through our work are pivotal to creating environments where the needle can be moved on antisemitism and other forms of prejudice.
The Tree of Life
In 2022, the HCP became a program of the The Tree of Life, a new locally grounded institution with national reach on a mission to uproot antisemitism and identity-based hate.
The reimagined Tree of Life is a place that will celebrate Jewish life and tradition and remember each victim and the horror that happened here on this sacred ground. It is a place that educates people of all ages and backgrounds, builds connection, and inspires courageous action to create compassionate communities.
LIGHT Education Initiative
HCP works hand-in-hand with the LIGHT Education Initiative, which is also a program of The Tree of Life, to bring teaching and learning opportunities about the Holocaust and antisemitism to students and teachers.
LIGHT is an incentive-based K-12 school program that seeks to inspire, prepare, and empower the next generation of humanitarians. All LIGHT-related programs and opportunities are built on a foundation of remembrance, compassion, and human rights.