Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Holocaust education specialist Jesse V. McClain III of Boardman to the state’s Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission for a term beginning May 2 and ending June 29, 2027.

The commission is charged with gathering and disseminating Holocaust and genocide educational resources and promoting awareness of issues relating to the Holocaust and genocide while advising state government officials on these relevant issues.

“It is truly an honor to be named to this commission. Education is and has always been a major aspect of my professional career and the Holocaust has been a pivotal point in what I taught in the classroom. I am privileged to help fulfill the mission of this commission and to do what the survivors wanted us all to do and that is to never forget,” McClain said.

As part of his decade-long work at the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, McClain visits area schools and community organizations to provide in-depth Holocaust education. He offers two traveling exhibits that tell the life stories of local Holocaust survivors, making history more personal. These offerings not only preserve the memories of survivors but encourage critical thinking about antisemitism and all forms of hate.

“At this time of increased antisemitism and other forms of hate in the United States, this commission is more important than ever,” said Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, executive director of community relations / government affairs for the YAJF. “With a decade of experience teaching and speaking about the Holocaust, Jesse will be an asset to the commission.”

Teachers or organizational leaders interested in arranging for McClain to speak at their school or event can contact him at jmcclain@jewishyoungstown.org or 330-746-3251, ext. 184.