The Terrifying 344% Rise in Antisemitism (And How We Fight Back) | Episode #41 Erin Blankenship

For 25 years, Erin Blankenship has dedicated her life to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors and educating the next generation. In this episode, we explore the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center's newest permanent exhibit, the fight against rising antisemitism, and the power of becoming an "Upstander" in today's world.

👉 Subscribe for more inspiring stories: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotlightonGoodPeople
📈 Support the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center:
https://hmcec.org/

0:00 - Introduction: The WWII boxcar finding a permanent home in Naples 07:26 - The urgency of survivors telling their stories 
11:16 - Rob’s emotional and life-changing visit to Dachau 
14:38 - Teaching the Holocaust to children & the Danish Rescue 
20:00 - What is antisemitism? Unpacking the 344% rise in incidents 
28:05 - Combating modern propaganda and building media literacy 
38:15 - The influence of Erin’s mother & helping unwed mothers 
55:27 - Bystanders vs. "Upstanders": Choosing to do the right thing 
1:22:18 - Hidden Talent: Erin's past life in real-life Roller Derby!

In this episode of Spotlight on Good People, we sit down with Erin Blankenship to discuss her vital work with the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center right here in Naples. Erin shares powerful stories of resilience from local survivors who settled in Southwest Florida and explains why the museum focuses on deeply personal testimonies over mere statistics. She tackles the alarming 344% rise in antisemitism, the dangers of social media propaganda, and breaks down the core philosophy of their educational programs: teaching children and adults alike how to be active "Upstanders" rather than passive bystanders.

Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of "Upstanders": Why the museum's educational programs focus on inspiring people to take an active role in doing the right thing, highlighting historical resistance like the Danish fishermen who saved their neighbors.
2. Combating Modern Hate: A deep dive into the recent surge in antisemitism and the importance of media literacy to combat online propaganda and misinformation.
3. A Permanent Reminder: The emotional weight and historical significance of an authentic World War II-era boxcar finally being installed permanently in the museum's parking lot.

📍Connect with Us!
Visit the Holocaust Museum: https://hmcec.org/visit/
https://ropsalons.com/

🔗 BOOK THE STUDIO!
Want to record your own podcast in our professional Naples, FL studio? Book your session here: https://ropsalons.com/podcast-services

⭐ SUPPORT THE MISSION If these stories inspire you, please Subscribe and hit the 🔔. It’s the best way to help us spotlight more "Good People" making a difference!

📸 FOLLOW US! 
Instagram: @spotlight.gp

#naplesfl #HolocaustMuseum #Upstander #History #Education #AntisemitismAwareness #Podcast #SouthwestFlorida #SpotlightOnGoodPeople #RopSalons

🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST 
The Spotlight on Good People is your go-to source for inspiration, shining a light on the unsung heroes of Naples and Southwest Florida. From heartwarming stories to practical tips, we celebrate the people who make our slice of paradise more connected, compassionate, and kind. In a world full of noise, we’re here to uplift, inform, and inspire one story at a time!