Ep 678: Education in Motion with Donna Rosenblum and guest Russ Plotkin on hmTv

Send us Fan MailhmTv Episode 678: Education in MotionDonna Rosenblum with Guest Russ PlotkinFrom the Courtroom to the Classroom: The Impact of an HMTC DocentWhat inspires someone to become a Holocaust educator?Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, welcomes HMTC docent Russ Plotkin for a conversation about education, volunteerism, and the responsibility to confront hatred.After retiring from a 33-year career as a trial attorney, Russ wanted to give back to his community. His search led him to HMTC, where he discovered a welcoming community and a mission that deeply resonated with him.Russ describes HMTC’s docent training process, from studying the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust to shadowing experienced educators, participating in tours, and eventually leading student groups independently. He explains how he learned to move beyond facts and dates to create meaningful conversations that keep students engaged.Donna and Russ also discuss the persistence of antisemitism, the warning signs found throughout history, the influence of social media, and the danger of forming opinions without understanding the full historical context. They emphasize that Holocaust education must also address other genocides, human suffering, empathy, and the consequences of remaining silent.Russ shares powerful experiences with students, including difficult questions about Israel, religious prejudice, inherited responsibility, and the ways old antisemitic ideas continue to be repackaged for modern audiences.The conversation also examines the long-term trauma carried by Holocaust survivors and their families. A moving personal story illustrates why liberation in 1945 did not automatically end the emotional suffering experienced by survivors.The episode concludes with a hopeful reminder: students want to learn. They arrive at HMTC with questions and leave with a deeper understanding of history, personal responsibility, and the importance of treating others with dignity.Chapters00:00 - Opening00:17 - Welcome to Education in Motion01:01 - How Russ discovered HMTC01:28 - A 33-year career as a trial attorney02:14 - Family history and awareness of antisemitism04:30 - Why Russ wanted to become a docent05:04 - HMTC’s docent training process06:53 - Shadowing experienced docents07:42 - Connecting history with young students08:50 - Making a difference through education10:00 - Learning about other genocides11:08 - Difficult and important student questions12:36 - How ancient hatred is repackaged today14:23 - Standing for something that matters15:53 - Recognizing history’s warning signs17:13 - Addressing causes instead of assigning blame17:23 - Family, identity, and shared humanity19:45 - How HMTC can continue expanding its impact21:36 - Rejecting polarization and understanding multiple narratives22:28 - Social media, confidence, and incomplete knowledge23:52 - Why educators must remain lifelong learners24:23 - The lasting trauma carried by survivors27:03 - Why students give Russ hope28:35 - Closing message and invitation to subscribeEducation in Motion explores the people, ideas, and educational practices helping students understand history, challenge hatred, develop empathy, and become responsible members of their communities.Watch, like, share, and subscribe to hmTv for more conversations from the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.#EducationInMotion #hmTv #HMTC #HolocaustEducation #RussPlotkin #DonnaRosenblum #HolocaustHistory #Docent #VolunteerEducation #Antisemitism #Empathy #Tolerance #HumanRights #NeverAgain #UpstanderSupport the show