Maggid gives children of Holocaust survivors (2Gs) the unique ability to learn more about their parents’ narratives and help them to share their family’s experiences publicly.
Our program connects peers who can relate to these uniquely difficult conversations and who know the importance of preserving these narratives. Together, participants develop compelling presentations and hone strategies for effective engagement with young audiences.
The next Maggid cohort will take place in Fall 2026. Check back in September for more information and to apply. Please contact Mandy Book with any questions.
How does Maggid work?
Maggid empowers the DC area’s 2G population to preserve their families’ Holocaust narratives through training sessions that help them better understand and teach about their legacies.
Two workshops are planned for 2026-2027, one beginning in the fall and one in the winter. Each typically includes five training sessions (three evenings and two Sunday afternoons).
Why is this important?
The JCRC has created the Maggid program to ensure that personal Holocaust histories will be shared and passed down to future generations.
Survivor testimony is a powerful tool that prompts genuine caring and behavioral change in students. As the number of Holocaust survivors who are available and able to provide personal testimony diminishes, our best resource for continuing their narratives and legacies is their children (2Gs) and grandchildren (3Gs). We must pass the baton now to bolster Holocaust education and to ensure these factual accounts are not lost.
What is expected of program participants?
While the JCRC is proud to offer this program at no cost as part of our core mission, we do expect participants to present to students in schools, synagogues and other venues throughout the region at least 2-3 times a year.
Please contact Mandy Book, Assistant Director of Education Programs and Services if you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming Maggid cohorts.
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Who is leading the workshop?
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Tobi Bassin |
Sharon Freundel |
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Tobi’s father was a child Holocaust survivor from Poland. Tobi has devoted her teaching career to Jewish education. She served as the Vice President of Education for the B’nai Israel Congregation Executive Committee, overseeing, working with and advising the Board on the preschool, Hebrew school, adult education and the preschool summer camp. Tobi is an ESOL teacher at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, helping Israeli students learn English and assimilate into the local Jewish community. |
Sharon is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors. Sharon has been a Jewish educator for more than 45 years. She is Managing Director of the Jewish Education Innovation Challenge, a national organization that works to improve the quality of Jewish education in day schools across North America. Sharon has taught throughout the Washington, DC area and has lectured in Canada, Australia, Israel and across the United States. |
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Asher Gendelman |
Nicole (Nikki) Wagschal Korsen |
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Asher is a native Washingtonian and the son of two Holocaust survivors. After a distinguished 40+ year career leading sales and marketing initiatives across the healthcare, defense, and critical infrastructure sectors, he is retired and happily devotes his time to his grandchildren, volunteer work, and traveling. Asher uses his expertise as a seasoned communicator and presenter to empower other 2Gs to articulate and share their families' stories of survival and resilience. |
Nikki is the daughter of a child Holocaust survivor. She is a high school English teacher in Loudoun County, sponsors the Jewish Student Union, the Loudoun Jewish Educators and serves on the board of NoVaChai, a local nonprofit that aims to foster a more positive, supportive learning environment for Jewish students. She leads an annual Holocaust and Racial Injustice seminar for local and national educators. Korsen's "Adopt-a-Survivor" program was featured in an LCPS Emmy-winning short video and her lesson plan about post-Holocaust immigration is featured on the PBS website for the Ken Burns documentary, "Americans and the Holocaust." |
In The News
MAGGID PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
This whole process has been very special and healing, in ways I didn't even know I needed to heal. It brought family stories back to life, and brought my extended family together getting photos of the jewerly, etc. together. In some ways, it even brought my beloved mother back to life, because I watched videos of her speaking to the Shoah Foundation about all many things she never told me when she was alive, and I felt like she was back with me, speaking to me in person.
—Sandy Landis
Program Participant
I found it fulfilling and emotionally draining. And totally worthwhile! I found real connection with some students and respectful listening by all.
My preference would be to speak to one or two classes at a time. It’s too hard to make eye contact and connection in larger groups.
—Connie Liss
Program Participant
I found the process of crafting our stories extremely valuable. Being led to find our 'nuggets' and creating a presentation around them was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. I have spoken about my father several times now to school groups and have been so pleased with the thoughtful questions the students have asked as well as conversations with staff and students after the talk. I look forward to being able to speak again this school year.
—Suzette Tanen
Program Participant