DASD Commemorates Yom HaShoah at Downingtown High School West

On April 14, 2026, Downingtown Area School District (DASD) commemorated Yom HaShoah by welcoming second-generation speaker Linda Jaffe to Downingtown High School West (DHSW) as part of the school’s annual observance. The event was made possible through the DASD Department of Student Relations and School Climate (SRSC) in partnership with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center.

 

The program honored Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 22nd anniversary of the school’s Holocaust Memorial, providing students and staff with an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage with history through a personal narrative.

 

During the presentation, Linda Jaffe shared the story of her mother, Holocaust survivor Ann Jaffe. Born in Kobylnik in 1931, Ann experienced the Nazi invasion of her village as a child and the near total destruction of its Jewish community. She and her family evaded capture by hiding in the woods for nearly two years before eventually making their way to Germany, where they spent five years in the Feldafing displaced persons camp. After the war, Ann, her surviving siblings, and her parents emigrated to the United States.

 

"My mother came here and built meaningful connections that stayed with her throughout her life. Now that she’s no longer here, I feel it’s my duty to share her story, which holds so many important life lessons. As I often said to her, ‘How can students remember something they’ve never learned about?’ That’s why it’s so important to continue sharing these stories and learning from them,” said Linda Jaffe, second-generation speaker.

 

Following the presentation, attendees gathered at the Downingtown High School West Holocaust Memorial for reflection. The memorial was originally initiated in 2004 by DHSW student Roseann Bertone as both a graduation requirement and a Girl Scout Gold Award project, honoring Holocaust victims and survivors.

 

Restored in 2022 through the efforts of the DASD Facilities Department and members of the DHSW Social Studies Department, the memorial now serves as a lasting symbol of remembrance, reflection, and education for the school community. The site features a garden, sundial, and a plaque detailing its history. The Social Studies Department contributed many volunteer hours to create the garden that exists today, while students and staff from the DHSW Technology Education Department also contributed by adding a small bridge to improve accessibility.

 

DASD continues to support opportunities for students to engage in meaningful learning experiences that promote reflection and historical understanding.

 

“Opportunities like this allow our students to pause, listen, and truly connect with history in a meaningful way,” said Justin Brown, Director of SRSC. “By engaging with these stories, we help ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant, fostering empathy, awareness, and a commitment to standing against hatred in all forms.”

 

The district will also continue honoring Jewish American Heritage Month throughout May with educational programs across schools.