Fostering Ethical Leadership: American Service Academies Program and Beyond
Summer 2024
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) continues to harness the powerful lessons of the Holocaust to foster ethical leadership and deepen cross-cultural understanding. This summer, the AJCF hosted a range of impactful programs, with the American Service Academies Program (ASAP) and its specialized U.S. Merchant Marine Academy edition (ASAP MMA) taking center stage.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation has been running educational programs for years that support the development of ethical leadership, based on the history of the Holocaust. In June 2024, another edition of the American Service Academies Program (ASAP) took place, aimed at cadets from U.S. military academies, and in July, a special edition was organized for the first time for cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, ASAP MMA. Both programs focused on fostering historical and ethical awareness, as well as building intercultural understanding.
ASAP and ASAP MMA: Immersive Learning and Ethical Reflection
The American Service Academies Program (ASAP) has established itself as a unique initiative that combines rigorous historical education with a focus on ethical leadership for future military officers. This year’s cohort began their journey in Washington, D.C., where they explored the ideological underpinnings of the Holocaust at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Through lectures and discussions, cadets examined the incremental steps that led to genocide, emphasizing the critical role of moral courage in preventing atrocities.
The program continued in Poland, where cadets visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. Walking through the remnants of barracks and the haunting ruins of gas chambers, the participants confronted the physical evidence of genocide. “Seeing the human remains and personal belongings left behind has left a really big impact on me,” shared Tasha Laberge-Shusterman, a cadet from the Air Force Academy. “It’s a reminder that these were real people who suffered, not just numbers in a history book.” This immersive experience provided a visceral context for understanding the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and the importance of standing up against injustice.
After touring the camp, the cadets engaged in community service at the Jewish cemetery in Oświęcim. By cleaning and maintaining the graves, they honored the memory of the Jewish community that once thrived in the town. “We need to have conversations without screaming at each other,” reflected Mackenzie Boose from the Coast Guard Academy. “The program has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to foster understanding.” This act of service underscored the value of preserving memory and highlighted the need for active engagement in the face of historical and contemporary injustices.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy edition of ASAP, held separately in July, was tailored to address the unique challenges faced by maritime leaders. Over eight days, cadets delved deeply into the history of the Holocaust and participated in discussions on contemporary ethical dilemmas in their professional lives. “Learning that over half of the orchestrators of the Holocaust were PhD-educated taught me that education alone isn’t enough. You also need a moral compass,” shared Asher Ellis, an Air Force ROTC cadet from Yale University. This reflection encapsulates the transformative potential of ASAP in shaping leaders who are not only competent but also ethically grounded.
A Unique Program with Global Impact
The American Service Academies Program is globally unique in its approach, bringing together cadets from multiple U.S. service academies to engage deeply with the history of the Holocaust and its ethical implications. No other program offers such a comprehensive framework that combines historical education with military ethics, challenging participants to think critically about their roles as leaders in a complex and often divided world. By bridging past and present, ASAP provides a powerful reminder that ethical leadership is not just about technical competence but also about the courage to act in the face of injustice.
Professional Ethics Training: Reaching Law Enforcement and International Agencies
The AJCF also continues to extend its influence through professional ethics seminars for law enforcement. This summer saw the fifth seminar for Icelandic police officers, focusing on the ethical responsibilities of law enforcement in upholding human rights. Additionally, the AJCF is a key partner in training programs for the top-level management of Europol, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership in combating transnational crime. These initiatives draw on the lessons of the Holocaust to highlight the dangers of dehumanization and the abuse of authority, promoting a culture of integrity and responsibility at the highest levels of law enforcement.
Extending the Reach: Western Studies Institute and the Anti-Discrimination Education Academy
Beyond ASAP, the AJCF’s educational outreach this summer included the Genocide Research Trip for Saudi scholars, marking the first time a delegation from Saudi Arabia visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. This historic visit was an unprecedented opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, reinforcing the universal relevance of Holocaust education.
The Anti-Discrimination Education Academy, organized in partnership with the POLIN Museum, also concluded successfully this summer. The Academy provided educators, activists, and community leaders with the tools to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity. Participants engaged in workshops and discussions that explored the roots of prejudice and developed strategies for fostering tolerance in their communities. “Understanding the mechanisms of discrimination is crucial for creating a more inclusive society,” said one participant, underscoring the Academy’s impact.
Conclusion
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation’s summer programs in 2024 were more than just educational experiences; they were profound journeys of personal and professional transformation. From cadets and scholars to educators and law enforcement officers, participants were challenged to reflect on their roles as leaders and their responsibilities in promoting justice and preventing future atrocities.
As the AJCF continues to expand its reach and impact, programs like ASAP and ASAP MMA remain at the core of its mission, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Holocaust education in shaping a more ethical and empathetic world. Through these initiatives, the AJCF is preparing a new generation of leaders who are equipped not only with knowledge but with the moral courage to make a difference.
We extend our gratitude to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and Taube Foundation for their support of the American Service Academies Program.
Pictured on the right: Cadets and mids from ASAP 2024 at the Jewish cemetery in Oświęcim.
Photo credit: Andrzej Rudiak