Alper JCC Miami Holocaust Impact Theater

Description

Holocaust Impact Theater (HIT) at Alper JCC Miami is an award-winning high school theater program created by educator Ruth Gordon, and last year proudly marked its 20th anniversary, a meaningful milestone that reflects two decades of powerful storytelling and community impact. Through HIT, students learn to write, produce, perform, and direct their own original scripts while developing lifelong skills in theater, writing, and leadership.

Using the Holocaust as a foundation, students explore the consequences of hate in society and connect historical events to today’s social injustices. Each production is designed to deepen understanding, promote tolerance, and celebrate diversity. The program’s impact has been widely recognized, earning proclamations from the Village of Pinecrest and the Village of Palmetto Bay, official recognition from the Miami Dade County School Board, and featured across various news outlets. These honors underscore HIT’s role in inspiring audiences to stand against hate and injustice.

Each year, HIT brings together 70 to 80 diverse high school students, filling a vital gap by offering young people a powerful platform to share their voices. Students express their fears, ideas, and hopes while confronting urgent social issues. Through performance and dialogue, HIT sparks meaningful conversations, fosters empathy, and inspires action, helping to build a more compassionate, inclusive community for generations to come.