Stalin And Other Dictators Of World War II

VINELAND, NJ— What were the forces that allowed three dictators—one being a national hero and cold-blooded killer, and the others being the founders of fascism in their respective countries—to hold the reins of power during World War II in Soviet Union and Western Europe?

This will be explored at a workshop, free and open to the public, on Wednesday, April 17, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the George P. Luciano Conference & Events Center, Cumberland County College, 3322 College Drive, Vineland, NJ.

This workshop, entitled “Stalin—the ‘Man of Steel’—and Other Dictators of World War II,” is presented by The South Jersey Holocaust Coalition, the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties, and Cumberland County College.

It will be co-facilitated by Terry Kuhnreich, Search for Conscience teacher at Vineland High School, and Nicholas LoSasso, history teacher at St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, NJ.

Josef Stalin was the self-proclaimed “Man of Steel”–who remains one of history’s most notorious dictators. Stalin’s background will be explored, as will his ruthlessness and ability to move his country to superpower status. In Western Europe, Benito Mussolini came to power as the father of 20th century fascism to make Italy a world power and, in Spain, Francisco Franco was leading a Spanish Civil War promoting fascist ideology. This presentation will also delve into the anti-Semitic feelings in Italy and Spain during the dictators’ reigns of power.

Kuhnreich, a child of Holocaust survivors, is a Cumberland County Teacher of the Year and inductee in the Cumberland County Women’s Hall of Fame. Her Search for Conscience class provides a safe haven for students to discuss topics such as the Holocaust, bullying, race, genocide, diversity, and domestic violence.

LoSasso, with the help of his students, organizes an annual event honoring Holocaust survivors and, under his tutelage, his students also planted a Remembrance Garden for survivors of the Holocaust. He is, in addition, an athletic coach at the school.

Kuhnreich and LoSasso are both Alfred Lerner Fellows, Master Teachers with a firm grounding in the history of the Holocaust and the subject of Reason.

No registration fee or cost is required to attend this workshop, but donations of any size are greatly appreciated. A light snack will be available.

Educators, students, and the public are invited to attend and, for professionals, 3.0 Professional Development (PD) hours will be granted by the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education. 

To attend, please register no later than Thursday, April 11 by going to the home page of www.HolocaustCoalition.com and clicking on “Register Here”—or by calling 302-265-3870. Educators desiring Professional Development credits should kindly provide their name, contact information, and school.

For more information on this and all South Jersey Holocaust Coalition events and activities, e-mail holocaustcoalition@gmail.com, visit the Coalition’s website at www.HolocaustCoalition.com, or visit their Facebook page at “South Jersey Holocaust Coalition.”