A Brief History
Decades ago, Jews in the Upper Midwest were excluded from much of American life. Many employers would not hire Jews, some communities were closed to Jews, and even some restaurants wouldn’t serve Jews. In fact, notable essayist Carey McWilliams proclaimed in 1946 "Minneapolis is the capitol of anti-Semitism in the United States. In almost every walk of life, 'an iron curtain' separates Jews from non-Jews in Minneapolis."
Groups whose sole purpose was anti-Semitism, abounded in the 1930s and 40s. One of the largest was the Silver Shirts, who marched through the streets and published newsletters filled with hatred toward Jews.
Today, the mission of protecting the Jewish community is alive within the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Its immediate predecessor, founded by Samuel Scheiner in 1939, participated in the great transformation of attitudes toward the Jewish community and other minorities. Highlights include JCRC advocacy for fair housing and employment practices in the late 1940s, the principles of which were embodied in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The JCRC advocated for Israel after the Jewish state was created in 1948 and did advocacy work on behalf of Soviet Jews in the 1960s and 1970s.
The advocacy continues today, along with wonderful inclusive, interactive and informative programs for children, students, adults, members of the Jewish community and other faith communities, and many other people in the general community.
JCRC at 80
Holocaust Educators Cohort
Holocaust Educators Cohort
Join our Holocaust Educator Cohort (Grades 6-12) to access our primary source packets that help students understand how and why the Holocaust happened.
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The Power of Place: 2025 JCRC European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators
The Power of Place: 2025 JCRC European Summer Institute for Holocaust Educators
June, 2025 Power of Place
For Holocaust educators: experiential learning tour through Europe
Now accepting applications for Summer 2025
Transfer of Memory
Transfer of Memory
Transfer of Memory is an exhibition of portraits and accompanying stories of Minnesota Holocaust Survivors
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One Day Trip to Washington D.C. (USHMM)
Holocaust Education Speakers Bureau
Holocaust Education Speakers Bureau
Connect a Holocaust survivor or descendant to your group.
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Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award
The Leo Weiss Courage to Teach Award
The JCRC honors a teacher or school whose passion, dedication, and excellence elevates the teachings of the lessons of the Holocaust in Minnesota and beyond.
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Witnesses to the Holocaust
Minnesota Holocaust Films
National History Day in Minnesota
National History Day in Minnesota
2025 Theme: Rights and Responsibilities in History Each year, the National History Day office chooses a theme to help students direct their research. Students must make a connection between the […]
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Light from the Yellow Star
Light from the Yellow Star
Dr. Robert Fisch’s book, Light from The Yellow Star: Lessons of Love From the Holocaust, teaches middle and high school students about the Holocaust.
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