Simon Wiesenthal Center

The museum and learning center is a one of a kind life altering visit. If you have not been to the MOT, you are missing out on an abundance of history and survival.

This building is a great testimony to the man it is named after – a humble, brave spirit who helped bring closure to many by perusing the guilty so they could be brought to justice.
I visit the library rather often to research, and it provides a number of texts, documents, and artifacts in the archives that foster learning about the Holocaust and various human rights topics. The staff and volunteers are extremely friendly, and they even have a great collection of children’s books for all ages to help teach against bullying, that educate on the importance of loving all people, and many books introduce the Holocaust as a subject at various age levels – a great tool for parents and teachers.
This place is worth visiting, as is the Museum of Tolerance located across the street.

Parts of the Simon Wiesenthal Center are visually powerful, however, our guide who escaped the Holocaust, got some historical facts wrong. I don’t at all doubt the horrors she has experienced and I am thankful that survivors do tell their story but the historical facts should never be falsified. Among other inaccuracies, she kept saying that 10 million! Jews were murdered by the Nazi’s. The fact is that approximately 6 million were killed. It is definitely the most horrible crime in the history of man but everybody, incl. the survivors, have a responsibility to state the truth and the facts. It is proven that Wiesenthal himself falsified his role in some of the captures of Nazi war criminals and took credit where he did not deserve any. If you are ever in Washington D.C., go to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; it is much more historically accurate and authentic.

Heard a holocaust survivor speak about her experiences. It was deeply moving. Everyone should visit this museum. It focuses on the eradication of all hate and is great place to get in touch with your humanity.

This museum, learning center, and memorial to those who have «perished» under the harshest of attacks and scrutiny is nothing short of amazing. When walking through this place, one cannot help but feel a sense of belonging… belonging to ONE race… the human race. There are wonderful exhibits teaching us humility, teaching us to be more open… and at the same time, reminding us about what took place upwards of 70 years ago, so that it shouldn’t happen again. It is beautifully and brilliantly laid out, and if you don’t shed at least one tear, I would be shocked. It is so very moving, touching, sad, and yet, uplifting. They continue to do research at this Center, and they continue to fight hatred, racism, and all that goes with it. Somehow, even 5 stars doesn’t do this place justice. It truly is a MUST SEE. Everyone, young and old, should see this place at least once.

I completely agree with the Arissa’s review. Visiting this place is SO much more than just a museum. Be prepared to take time to think after visiting. The museum will move you to tears– if not for what happened during WWII, then for what is still happening today.

I cant believe Im writing the first review of this stellar place! I think its more than a museum– its a life changing experience. I dont think I have seen a more contemplative work on the holocaust aside from the one at Yad Vashem. If you are a teacher– take your students here, if you are a history buff– make sure you make this your stop and if you seek to edify yourself– pass by here and find meaning and reason to end today’s social angst.

I first learned about the Simon Wiesenthal center by doing a report on modern hate groups and their mobilization in the United States. They track intolerance of Jews and promote tolerance and holocaust remembrance. But it is primarily a human rights group that is interested in intolerance, genocide, hate of many groups by other groups. They have been especially instrumental of tracking hate recruitment on the Internet.
I’m not exactly sure why they are listed under museums, though they do have an interesting Center for Tolerance in NY.