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2026 SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS
The 2026 Summer Institute for Teachers (SIT) was outstanding! I would like to thank our 2026 Alfred Lerner Fellows – there are 24 – and our scholars for making this year’s SIT the success that it was.
The 2026 Summer Institute was held at the Hilton Newark Airport. The five days we spent together was academically stimulating, exciting, and challenging. We are proud to welcome a group of gifted, talented, and committed educators to the program.
Our scholars this year were, in order of their lecture – Avinoam Patt, Benjamin Carter Hett, Sheryl Ochayon, Lawrence Douglas, Steven Field, Edward Westermann, Rebecca Erbelding, Richards Plavnieks, Robert Jan van Pelt, Paul Salmons, John Barrett, and Holly Huffnagle. JFR’s Executive Vice President, Stanlee Stahl, presented on rescue. The text for the Summer Institute is, How Was it Possible? A Holocaust Reader by Peter Hayes. Please click here for photos from the Summer Institute.
2026 EUROPEAN STUDY PROGRAM TO POLAND
On July 5, 14 Alfred Lerner Fellows will arrive in Amsterdam. Professor Robert Jan van Pelt is our scholar for the study program. We are excited to be with Professor van Pelt as he takes us Poland. Please check our social media pages for photos and information as we travel through Poland.
RESCUER AWARDS SENT
The JFR began sending awards to rescuers at the end of June and will continue sending awards in July. The JFR sends funds three times during the year – March, June/July, and November/December. Funds are sent after the JFR receives proof-of-life documentation from each rescuer receiving financial assistance from the JFR. Proof-of-life documents are due in the JFR office July 1st. Funds are not sent until these forms, which includes a notarized affidavit stating that the person is alive, are received. We continue to remain in contact with rescuers in Ukraine.
JFR MOURNS THE PASSING OF IMRE CSIK
Imre's son wrote:
Dear Stanlee,
Before the next scheduled transfer, I am sad to inform you that our father, Imre Csik, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 and returned to his Creator.
His funeral was held in a small and intimate ceremony in the village cemetery where he had lived for nearly 70 years, surrounded by his remaining relatives and friends.
The support and attention he received from you meant a great deal to him. We would like to sincerely thank you and your colleagues once again for all your care, attention, and support.
It has taken me some time to gather my strength and find the energy to write this message.
Wishing you good health and continued strength in your work.
Kind regards:
Ildikó
WE CELEBRATE THE 100th BIRTHDAY OF ANNA KRZYZOWSKA
On June 15, 2026, Anna Krzyzowska, a Righteous Gentile from Poland, turned 100! Her daughter, Katarzyna sent photos and wrote the following. “As always, I send my warmest thanks for your help and support! The peace and sense of security it brings contribute to her mental and physical health and well-being! I wish you peace of mind, health, joy.”
WE MOURN THE PASSING OF EGLE BIMBIRIENE
Egle Bimbiriene, a Righteous Gentile from Lithuania, died on June 22, 2026, at the age of 97. The JFR produced an award-winning documentary on Egle and her family’s rescue story. The family saved Mary Katz Erlich and her parents. When we would visit Lithuania, we would see Egle and her daughter Ida. They were good friends of the JFR. Here is a link to the documentary. May Egle’s memory be a blessing.
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