A group of cadets from the US Merchant Marine Academy recently took part in a one-week edition of the American Service Academies Program (ASAP), organized by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation. The program took place in Poland and included visits to sites related to Jewish history and the Holocaust—such as Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Jewish district of Kazimierz in Kraków, and the area of the former ghetto. Participants also met Holocaust survivors and engaged in structured reflection workshops.
As Captain Pat Keane, Director of Leadership and Ethics Development, explained:
“ASAP is a deliberately structured program that begins with education about the history of the Jewish people in Europe, specifically Poland, and fosters an appreciation for the rich and profound impact of Jewish culture in Poland over the past 1,000 years. The program educates participants about anti-Semitism, which rose during the interwar period and reached its zenith with the Holocaust. It does it in a way that is profound and personal, combining tours of historical sites, presentations and conversations with Holocaust survivors and experts, and group discussions to help participants understand and process what they are observing and experiencing.”
Dr. Mike Melcer, Head of the Department of Humanities and Math and Science, also accompanied the group. The program offered participants a powerful opportunity to reflect on history, moral responsibility, and the role of leadership in today’s world.
