DEVELOPING: A Joint Statement from the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center (SBHEC) and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
November 5, 2025
We are encouraged that action has been taken regarding the Smithfield School District’s mishandling of the recent antisemitic hazing incident. The decision to place the Superintendent on administrative leave is a significant step, and we await further details on this development.
We are confident that those investigating will conduct a thorough review and take all necessary action to resolve this matter appropriately. We hope this creates an opportunity to resume the education process with the school to ensure this never happens again. From the outset, the Jewish Alliance and SBHEC have stood firmly with the victim and his family-and we remain steadfast in that commitment. We will continue to be strong advocates for all victims of antisemitism, for comprehensive education to combat hate, and for the safety and dignity of the entire Jewish community.
Joint Statement from the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and Jewish Alliance: Smithfield School Committee Meeting
November 4, 2025
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center (SBHEC) were heartened by the strong community presence at last night’s Smithfield School Committee meeting. Following nearly three and a half hours in executive session, the committee heard impassioned speakers from an audience of more than 150 individuals. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and spoke in support of the victim, his family, and the Jewish community. As we await the outcome of the Attorney General’s investigation, the Jewish Alliance and SBHEC remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that incidents like this never happen again. Our focus now is on partnership-working with school leadership, educators, and community members to strengthen Holocaust and antisemitism education, deepen understanding, and foster respect across all communities. While this story may fade from the news cycle, our work is not ending, and we will continue to advocate for the victim, for greater education about antisemitism, and for our community. Together, we will continue to lead with purpose, promote learning, and build a safer, more inclusive Rhode Island for generations to come.
A Joint Statement Regarding the Antisemitic Hazing Attack at Smithfield High School
October 23, 2025
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center strongly condemn Smithfield School administrators’ decision to reinstate five football players involved in a horrific antisemitic hazing attack against a Jewish freshman student.
The administration has gone back on the disciplinary actions they previously shared with us—one that outlined clear consequences for those students responsible, which included suspension from the football team for the remainder of the season.
We are calling for a formal apology from the Superintendent of the Smithfield School Department for the way this situation has been handled. We also demand that the district follow through with professional development for all staff and require anti-bias education for the student body.
Our organizations have engaged the school in good faith since first learning about this incident. This abrupt reversal, coupled with the administration’s failure to respond to multiple outreach attempts from both organizations and the victim’s family, represents a serious breach of trust.
Administrators must understand that reversing consequences sends a dangerous message—that such hateful behavior will be tolerated. Moments like these remind us how vulnerable a minority community can feel. Everyone—Jewish or not—should be outraged by this failure of leadership.
Antisemitism is surging—appearing in our neighborhoods, classrooms, and public institutions. Behaviors once relegated to the margins are now creeping into the mainstream. Jewish communities throughout Rhode Island and beyond are experiencing unprecedented waves of bigotry and intimidation.
Our organizations remain steadfast in fighting antisemitism and all forms of hatred.
Statement on Antisemitic Incident at Smithfield Public Schools
October 10, 2025
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center are supporting a student who was targeted in a deeply troubling antisemitic incident at Smithfield Public Schools.
We are in direct communication with the student’s family and the administration at the school department, providing support to the impacted family and educational resources to the school district. We ask the community to respect the privacy of the student and their family during this difficult time.
This incident is not isolated. Antisemitism is rising—in our communities, our schools, and our institutions. What was once unthinkable is becoming increasingly visible and normalized. Jewish communities in Rhode Island, across the country and around the world are facing alarming levels of hatred and harassment.
We will not accept this as our new reality. Our organizations remain committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate. We call on community members, educators, and leaders to stand with us in this work.
If you were a victim of antisemitism or any form of hate, please report through our antisemitism tracker which will allow us to support you further: https://www.jewishallianceri.org/connect/education-resources/antisemitic-activity-tracker
To access more educational resources: https://bornsteinholocaustcenter.org/
Statement on Recent Attacks on Jewish Community
July 3, 2025
The recent attacks on the Jewish community around the world are abhorrent. These acts are clearly intended to instill fear in Jewish people everywhere. In less than two weeks, innocent lives were lost outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.; Molotov cocktails were thrown at peaceful demonstrators, injuring eight people—some severely—including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who spends time sharing her story to educate others. She is quoted as saying, “I want people to be nice and decent to each other, kind, respectful, encompassing.” Across the ocean, the Memorial de la Shoah, France’s national Holocaust memorial and educational institution, along with three synagogues was vandalized in France.
These despicable acts will not deter us. We remain steadfast in our mission to educate about the history of the Holocaust, to promote human dignity, to combat antisemitism, and to confront all forms of hate. Education about the past is essential to defeating antisemitism and all forms of hatred in the future—and this is the very mission we at the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center are charged to uphold.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by these horrific acts. We stand in solidarity with them and with Jewish communities around the world.
What We Can Do—Together
Hate thrives in silence. We believe that every person can be part of the solution.
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center offers free and accessible programming throughout Rhode Island to help combat antisemitism through knowledge and dialogue. This includes:
- Holocaust education in schools and libraries across the state
- Holocaust education in schools and libraries across the state
- Public lectures and community conversations
- Classroom speakers, survivor testimonies, and age-appropriate resources
- Educator support and curriculum guidance
- Teen and adult learning initiatives that connect history to the present
If you’re an educator, student, parent, or community member—and you want to learn or teach others how to recognize and resist antisemitism—please reach out. We are here to support you.
Through education and community, we can respond with strength and clarity. For
resources, support, or to bring programming to your school or community, please email us
or call 401.453.7860.
Dr. Michael Bryant, Ph.D
President
Wendy L. Joering
Executive Director
Statement on the Cape Verdean Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony in East Providence
July 3, 2025
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center condemns the disturbing actions that occurred during the Cape Verdean Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony in East Providence on July 2. While the ceremony was taking place inside, an individual outside was seen trampling on the Cape Verdean and American flags, and when found, was in possession of a Nazi flag and a weapon. In the face of this hateful act, we are deeply grateful to Mayor DaSilva and the East Providence Police Department for their swift response, support, and commitment to justice.
As an institution dedicated to education, remembrance, and the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate, the desecration of the Cape Verdean and American flags— and the possession of a Nazi flag— are deeply troubling and dangerous acts. The Nazi flag is a symbol of a regime responsible for the Holocaust: the systematic murder of six million Jews and five million others who were targeted for not fitting the Nazis’ distorted and hateful ideology, including Roma and Sinti communities, people with disabilities, Black and Brown individuals, LGBTQ+ people, political dissidents, and countless more. Its presence is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and bigotry.
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center remains steadfast in its mission: to teach the history of the Holocaust to promote human dignity, combat antisemitism, and confront all forms of hate. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Rhode Island’s Cape Verdean community and reaffirm our deep support for anyone who feels threatened by acts of hate and extremism. In this moment—when antisemitism, racism, and hate-fueled violence are on the rise—what’s needed is not silence, but moral courage. Education, vigilance, and collective action are not optional—they are essential.
For information about our Center and educational programs offered for teens and adults, please contact info@hercri.org.
Dr. Michael Bryant, Ph.D
President
Wendy L. Joering
Executive Director
Statement on the Murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim
May 22, 2025
We are heartbroken and outraged by the senseless murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. This act of antisemitic violence is appalling, and our thoughts are with their families and all who are grieving this profound loss. The Capital Jewish Museum is a small but vital institution-integral to preserving and sharing the Jewish history of the DC-Maryland-Virginia region. The AJC event held that evening was intended to bring together young Jewish professionals in a spirit of community and connection. That such a space was shattered by violence is devastating.
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center condemns this act in the strongest possible terms. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Jewish communities in Washington, across the region, and throughout the world. In the face of rising hatred, we reaffirm our commitment to combating antisemitism through education, remembrance, and collective resilience.
May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim be a blessing.
Dr. Michael Bryant, Ph.D
President
Wendy L. Joering
Executive Director
Statement on Suspension of Key Holidays
February 3, 2025
Last week, the Department of Defense’s intelligence agency suspended 11 holiday observances, including Holocaust Days of Remembrance and other significant cultural and historical events, in response to President Donald Trump’s ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs within the federal workplace. The Holocaust, which saw the systematic murder of six million Jews alongside millions of other marginalized groups by the Nazi regime, represents one of the darkest periods in human history. Failing to commemorate this tragedy not only disrespects the victims and survivors but also diminishes the lessons we must carry forward to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Without proper remembrance, the risk of forgetting the horrors of unchecked hatred, bigotry, and discrimination grows, making it easier for such ideologies to resurface and harm society once more. Holocaust commemoration is crucial not only to honor the lives lost but also to educate future generations on the importance of preventing similar horrors from ever occurring again.
Moreover, disavowing these holidays sends a harmful message that the struggles and contributions of marginalized groups are less important or unworthy of recognition. Such actions undermine the dignity and rights of these communities while fostering a culture of exclusion-directly opposing the core values of equality, fundamental human rights, and inclusivity. Celebrating diversity in all its forms is essential for building a society that is fair, just, and respectful of every individual. These observances celebrate the importance of recognizing and honoring diverse communities, offering opportunities for education, reflection, and a reminder of both the progress we’ve made and the work that remains on our journey towards equality for all.
The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center will never stop commemorating Holocaust Remembrances, and we will always stand in solidarity with our partners and other minority groups in recognizing and celebrating the 11 important holidays and histories that have been paused. The fight for inclusion and equality is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to these values.
Dr. Michael Bryant, Ph.D
President
Wendy L. Joering
Executive Director