PA Leaders Unite for Holocaust Remembrance

History has a way of coming alive when it’s experienced, not just read—and that was exactly the case during a recent bipartisan visit to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.

Organized in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance, the visit brought lawmakers together across party lines for a shared moment of reflection, education, and perspective. For Pennsylvania State Representative Kristin Marcell, the experience highlighted both the importance of preserving history and the responsibility of passing it on.

“I recently worked with Rep. Jared Soloman (Philadelphia) to host a bipartisan visit to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance,” Marcell said.

An Untold Chapter of the American Story

During the visit, attendees toured the museum’s newest exhibit, The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution, now on display through April 2027. The exhibit focuses on the role Jewish merchants in the Caribbean played in supporting the fight for American independence—an often overlooked piece of the nation’s founding story.

By spotlighting these contributions, the exhibit adds depth to the understanding of how America’s independence was supported beyond its shores, reinforcing the idea that the nation’s history is broader and more interconnected than many realize.

Hearing History Firsthand

While the exhibits offered historical insight, one moment stood apart.

“We also heard a powerful presentation from a Holocaust survivor,” Marcell shared. “It was an important opportunity to reflect on history, hear firsthand testimony and reinforce the responsibility we all share to remember and educate future generations.”

That firsthand account transformed the visit into something more than a tour—it became a moment of connection to lived history. It underscored the museum’s role not just as a place of preservation, but as a space where stories continue to be told and understood in real time.

A Mission Rooted in Education and Understanding

Established in 1976, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. Its origins trace back to members of Congregation Mikveh Israel, founded in 1740 and known as the “Synagogue of the American Revolution.”

Over the years, the museum has become a vital part of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. It has presented more than a hundred exhibitions and serves as a repository for more than 30,000 objects, preserving the material culture of American Jews while offering a wide range of public programs—from lectures and panel discussions to films, children’s activities, theater, and music.

As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum has access to the collections and expertise of the Smithsonian Institution, enhancing its ability to present exhibitions that connect historical artifacts with contemporary understanding.

Its mission is to preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America, while inspiring people of all backgrounds to better appreciate the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. Its vision is to serve as a national leader in teaching and inspiring dialogue about the American Jewish experience within the broader context of American history.

Carrying the Responsibility Forward

For Marcell, the visit was not just about looking back—it was about continuing the work ahead.

“I was honored to take part in this program and look forward to continuing efforts to support Holocaust education across Pennsylvania,” Marcell said.

In a bipartisan setting, the visit served as a reminder that preserving history and educating future generations is a shared responsibility—one that extends beyond politics and into the broader American story.