Commentary | San Diego Jewish World | May 8, 2026
In a May 8 commentary published by San Diego Jewish World, Jewish Federation of San Diego President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk reflected on the launch of Spark Interactive and the years of planning, collaboration and community support that brought the mobile Holocaust education experience to life.
Gantwerk shared how an early conversation with philanthropist Lee Goldberg sparked the idea to rethink traditional Holocaust education by bringing the experience directly to students, rather than requiring schools to travel to a museum.
She also explored why that approach is especially important today, as rising antisemitism, misinformation and the declining number of living Holocaust survivors create new challenges for educators.
With Spark Interactive now launched, Gantwerk emphasized the importance of building partnerships with schools, community organizations and supporters to expand access to Holocaust education throughout San Diego County.