Students Honored at Chapman’s Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest
March 25, 2026
Holocaust survivors Jenny Unterman, left, Tova Rotlevy Cohen, and Sam Silberberg shared their stories with students.
Students from across the United States and around the world were honored at Chapman University during the Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, an international competition that invites middle and high school students to reflect on the lessons of Holocaust history through art, film, poetry, and prose.
The awards ceremony marked the 27th anniversary of the contest presented by the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education in Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Chapman and The 1939 Society. It brought together students, educators, and Holocaust survivors, creating a powerful intergenerational moment as students presented creative works inspired by survivor testimony and this year’s theme, “Holding on to Hope.”
“In our exceedingly troubled world, the courage and optimism expressed by Holocaust survivors and rescuers and by the students who have responded to their work is a bright beacon and inspiration for all of us to persevere and work toward a more just, peaceful, and humane world,” said Marilyn Harran, founding director of the Rodgers Center and Stern Chair in Holocaust Education.
(Pictured in header: President Matt Parlow with winners of the 2026 Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest and their teachers.)
