The mission of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center is to teach the history of the Holocaust, in order to promote human dignity, combat antisemitism, and confront all forms of hate.
Remembering the past to build a better future.
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center uses the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire a more compassionate and informed world. Through education and remembrance, we combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, empowering students and community members to stand up for human dignity and respect. Join us in transforming history into action.
Joint Statement from the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Regarding the Agreement Between the Smithfield School Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office
April 17, 2026
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center welcome the agreement reached between the Smithfield School Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office regarding the antisemitic hazing attack on a Jewish student at Smithfield High School.
We commend the Attorney General’s Office for their diligence and commitment to pursuing this matter fully. From the very beginning of this deeply troubling incident, the Jewish Alliance and the Holocaust Education Center have called for full accountability — for those who perpetrated this attack, and for the school administrators whose handling of this situation fell far short of what our students and community deserve.
The agreement announced yesterday — which includes a five-part plan — represents an important step toward ensuring that Jewish students, and all students, are safe and protected in Smithfield’s schools.
The remediation plan requires the district to fix its policies against harassment and hazing, train all staff and administrators on those policies, mandate anti-discrimination programming for students, survey the school community to gauge the current climate and establish a formal protocol to protect and support victims going forward.
We have said from the outset that accountability and lasting, systemic change are not optional — they are necessary. Antisemitism must be met with consequences, and institutions that fail to protect their students must be held responsible. We are encouraged that this agreement reflects those principles.
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center will continue to monitor the implementation of this agreement closely and will remain steadfast advocates for the safety and dignity of Jewish students across Rhode Island
Game Night has been rescheduled. It will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Please sign up.
Our Public Statements
At the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, we stand firmly against antisemitism, hatred, and injustice. Remembrance must be joined with action, and we are committed to honoring the victims, supporting survivors, and standing in solidarity with communities facing hatred and violence.
SBHEC Celebrates its 36th Anniversary
On September 12, 2024, SBHEC celebrated its 36th Anniversary with “Remembrance & Creativity,” honoring Sandra and the late Richard Bornstein. The evening at Temple Beth-El featured the Terezin Music Foundation Ensemble, led by violist Mark Ludwig, performing works composed in the Terezin camp, alongside a live painting by Boston artist Jim Shantz.
Our Gallery
Our photo gallery captures moments from across SBHEC’s community: survivors visiting schools, public lectures, Yom HaShoah commemorations, gatherings at the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial, the annual Arts & Writing Contest, and our Leadership Institute for Teens (LIFT). Together, these snapshots reflect the people, stories, and connections at the heart of our work.
