One of the key objectives of a Jesuit education is to form men and women for others. This means the promotion of service in the interest of justice. Working in this spirit The Saint Peter’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies will seek to support marginalized groups, such as refugees and minorities, who face persecution and expulsion from their homes. As Elie Wiesel has said: “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides.” The Center will connect with international organizations and local community organizations in an effort to accomplish this goal.

Service Learning

Dr. Gerlach’s service learning course last year focused on the history of refugees and migrants in the modern world. We covered a range of topics from the Atlantic Slave Trade, immigration to the US, Jewish flight from Nazi Europe, and Cold War migration in Southeast Asia. We also examined current refugee crises and immigration issues as a way to frame our study of the past. Students engaged in a range of service activities through partnerships with local organizations.

One project that we did as a class was a Stamp Out Despair drive in connection with First Friends New Jersey. Students put together packets for detainee asylum-seekers in nearby detention centers. The packets provided a way for these detainees to communicate by mail to the outside world because they often do not have other means to do so.

Another project involved a book bag drive for Syrian refugee children. Volunteers from the class partnered with the Muslim Student Association to help raise awareness and relief for these children. 5 million Syrians are living outside of Syria and about 6 million are displaced within Syria. This makes them the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time. Among these refugees, there are children who are being torn away from educational opportunities. About 40 percent of Syrian refugees in Jordan do not receive formal schooling because they lack the resources needed to attend school and receive a proper education. The students put together a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $2,000 and collected supplies for more than 125 complete book bags for refugee school children.

Students also volunteered in other ways through partnerships with St. Aedan’s Migrant Center, The Saint Peter’s Knights of Columbus, and Welcome Home.

Student Spotlight

The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies extends its sincere congratulations to Gucharan “Noble” Singh, Class of 2019. Noble served as a Holocaust Educator through an internship with the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Through the program students are trained to go out to public schools and teach lessons of the Holocaust. We hope that more students from Saint Peter’s will follow in his footsteps. Contact the Center’s Director for more information about how to apply.