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Alper JCC Miami’s Holocaust Impact Theater (HIT) was formally recognized by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) for its significant contributions to Holocaust remembrance education during a special School Board Recognition Breakfast and subsequent School Board meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
The recognition, led by M-DCPS School Board Member Luisa Santos, honored organizations whose work strengthened Holocaust education throughout District 9. Holocaust Impact Theater was acknowledged alongside 3GMiami and the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute for their collective role in institutionalizing Holocaust remembrance education in Miami-Dade County public schools.
“Holocaust Impact Theater was created to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust remain alive and meaningful for future generations,” said Ruth Gordon, M.Ed., founder and director of HIT. “To be recognized by Miami-Dade County Public Schools for this mission was deeply meaningful to not only our students but the entire Alper JCC Miami community.”
Since its founding over 20 years ago, Holocaust Impact Theater has empowered high school students to engage with history, social justice and civic responsibility through original, student-driven theatrical productions. The program uses the arts as a platform for Holocaust remembrance and critical dialogue, helping young people confront issues of social justice and intolerance.
“What makes Holocaust Impact Theater so powerful is the students themselves,” said Jenine Simon, Senior Director of Programming at the Alper JCC Miami. “Watching these young people use their voices and creativity to speak out about hatred and injustice help ensure the lessons of Holocaust remain relevant for years to come. Holocaust Impact Theater is a signature program of Alper JCC Miami and we are proud of its impact in the community.”
Funded through Alper JCC Miami, the year-long program begins in August when students meet, select writers, choose the theme of the year’s production and begin writing the script. In December the production is cast and rehearsals begin in January, intensifying in frequency as the March show date approaches. This year’s show will be held March 12, 14 and 15 at the Alper JCC Miami’s Robert Russell Theater.
For more information on this year’s play and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.alperjcc.org/hit.
About Alper JCC Miami
For over 30 years, Alper JCC Miami has been a much-loved source of enrichment, inspiration, education and recreation, offering a sense of community and belonging to those in South Miami-Dade County. Welcoming people of all faiths and ages regardless of social or economic background, gender, race, sexual orientation or ability, the Alper JCC annually impacts more than 140,000 residents. The center provides need-based scholarships to its award-winning Early Childhood Development Center, Winter and Spring Minicamps, Summer Camp, youth sports, and membership to its 8,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Fitness & Wellness Facility, which boasts over 45 group fitness classes per week and personal training. Visit www.alperjcc.org for more information.
