This year’s theme for Tolerance Week is “I am the Witness.” Most of the area’s middle and high school students have had the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor and hear their stories. Some of you have met Auschwitz survivor Philip Gans, and some of you have met Terezin survivor Inge Auerbacher. It is now your responsibility to be the witnesses to the persecution and murder of Jews and others in Europe during World War II. The Holocaust survivors will not be around much longer or able to travel and talk to students. So, in words or art, show how you will be the witness to the horrors of the Holocaust and ensure their stories do not die with them.

The contests are open to middle and high school students. Essays are limited to 400 words or less. Artwork size is limited to 11”x 14” or smaller. In addition to art and essays, other forms of expression will be accepted. The contest winners will be announced in the Sioux City Journal and on the Tolerance Week website and Facebook page on April 10th. Entries are due by the end of the day on Monday, March 31. Email entries to grlindblade@gmail.com or drop them off at 1922 Pierce Street. Entries must include the student and teacher’s names, grade, school, and email addresses.

The Tolerance Week art contest was renamed in memory of Ella Holtzen, the 2016 Middle School Art Contest Winner. Tragically, Ella and her brother Beck, students at Hinton Community School, were killed in an ice-related car accident on January 14, 2020.