“The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful, and the most tragic problem is silence.”
— Rabbi Joachim Prinz, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

These powerful words inspired Voices for Change: Students Speak Up!, a project empowering young people to use their voices against injustice. We must not remain silent when encountering injustice in our world. We must speak up and speak out, exercising one of our most important freedoms: freedom of speech.

This year, 97 students from Philadelphia’s Central High School public speaking classes took on that challenge. Drawing inspiration from historic speeches, they critically examined the world around them, reflected on their own experiences and values, and identified issues they are passionate about changing.

This installation will be on view from April 25-May 26, 2025.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is pleased to participate in this project, aligned with our mission to inspire reflection, dialogue, and action in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. In keeping with the purpose of this project to promote civil discourse and civic engagement, works displayed here may express views that are not consistent with The Weitzman’s positions and policies.

Image at right: Photograph by Mohamed A. Eldib

Voices for Change Mohamed Eldib

Shanah Tovah! A happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.

We looking forward to seeing you throughout the fall in person or online.
Coming up:
*9/25 Jewish Community Celebration at the Phillies – this week!*
9/29 Jake Cohen’s Dinner Party Animal Book Launch – limted tickets remain!
10/4 A Letter to David film screening
10/23 Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s Heart of a Stranger Book Launch
View All Events

 

Rosh Hashanah postcard, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 1982.5.1
Weitzman Museum Purchase, Weinberg Trust

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The Weitzman