Jordana Waliszewski: Lipper Superstar

We're always proud of the incredible work of our Lippers. By speaking to middle and high school classrooms, these interns make a real impact in the lives of hundreds of kids throughout the Northeast. For some, hearing the Lipper speak is their first introduction to learning about the Holocaust or Jewish heritage.


One intern who has made an incredible impact on the community both here at the Museum and in her homestate of New Jersey is Jordana Waliszewski, a recent graduate of the International Studies major at Ramapo College. She brings a unique perspective to the program—she is a non-Jewish Pole who grew up 15 kilometers from Auschwitz. Her multiple trips to the death camp as a pre-teen motivated her not only to learn more, but to participate in the Lipper program in order to educate others. “All the other interns had preconceived notions about Polish people,” she said. “I was so happy to show them another side: young people who want to make a change.”


Recently, Jodana's unique story was presented in the Bergen Record. Click here to read the full article.

Jordana's determination to learn from this dark chapter in her country's history is a sentiment reflected in the upcoming film Inheritence, which is part of the PBS Point of View (POV) series. Inheritence is the story of Monika Hertwig, the daughter of mass murderer Amon Goeth, and documents Monika's return to Poland and her connection with Helen Jonas, a survivor who lived as a prisoner under Goeth's roof for nearly two years. While the screening of this film at the Museum is completely sold-out, you can still see it for yourselves on PBS on December 10th at 9 p.m., so set your TiVos. Check here for local listings.