Why is genocide education so critical, now more than ever? In the Season 1 finale of Chosen For What? host Tommy Schnurmacher sits down with the founder of The Foundation for Genocide Education, Heidi Berger. She shares the story behind her life’s mission: ensuring that every student understands the history and lessons of genocide.
Inspired by her late mother’s experience as a Holocaust survivor, Heidi began her work as an educator and film producer, creating an interactive video presentation that brought her mother’s story to life. But what began as a personal project soon revealed a shocking truth;: many students (and even teachers) had never learned the meaning of the word “genocide.” That realization led Heidi to establish the Foundation for Genocide Education, a registered non-profit dedicated to helping governments integrate genocide education into high school curricula across Canada and beyond. In this podcast, Heidi discusses the powerful story of her mother’s survival, the urgent need for genocide education, and the ongoing challenge of keeping these lessons alive for future generations. She also shares what it’s like speaking to students across North America and the reactions that continue to move her the most.
