The Cattle Car Exhibit Brings Holocaust Lessons to Life for MERS Students
This grant brings the Hate Ends Now Cattle Car Exhibit and original artifact collection to 8th-grade students in the MERS District, offering a meaningful learning experience that aligns with New Jersey’s Holocaust and Genocide Education Mandate. Housed inside a life-sized replica of a World War II cattle car, the immersive multimedia exhibit guides students through the realities of the Holocaust, highlighting the moral consequences of hatred, antisemitism, and intolerance. Through survivor testimony, historical context, and authentic artifacts, students engage with the human impact of genocide in ways that go beyond traditional classroom lessons.
More than just a history lesson, this program acts as a form of moral education. The exhibit encourages students to think about their role in building a more just and compassionate society by promoting empathy, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making during a key point in their development. Supported by the Foundation for MERS, district leaders, generous donors, and grants, this initiative shows how education can combat hate, honor memory, and inspire future generations to favor understanding over indifference.
“This exhibit gives students more than historical knowledge—it gives them a moral lens. By confronting the realities of the Holocaust in such a powerful, human way, our students are challenged to recognize the consequences of hate and their responsibility to stand up for empathy, dignity, and justice.”
— Kerry Marsala, Science & Social Studies Supervisor
This impactful initiative was made possible through the generous support of The Foundation, additional outside donations, and grant funding. Led by Kerry Marsala, Science & Social Studies Supervisor at MEMS, the program brings this powerful educational experience directly to 8th-grade students, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not only remembered but understood in a meaningful way. Through collaborative community support, this grant reflects a shared commitment to educating students about the consequences of hate while empowering them to build a future rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding.
