Honoring Resilience and Representation: Donna Fernandez Receives Morris Weiss Award
Each year, the JFCS Holocaust Center presents the Morris Weiss Award to an educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Holocaust education. This prestigious honor recognizes a teacher who inspires students through a deep commitment to preserving Holocaust memory, promoting social justice, and fostering critical thinking about human rights and history. Named in honor of Morris Weiss, z”l, a Holocaust survivor and one of the founders of the Center, the award reflects his legacy by uplifting educators who empower the next generation to stand up against hatred and indifference.
At this year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration, JFCS Board Member Garry Rayant presented the prestigious Morris Weiss Award to Donna Fernandez, recognizing her exceptional leadership in Holocaust and genocide education.
In his powerful introduction, Garry shared the story of his father—a Holocaust survivor and British Army liberator—who inspired his lifelong commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education. He emphasized the urgency of teaching about antisemitism, injustice, and hate in today’s world.
Donna, a proud Pomo educator from the Elem Indian Colony, teaches mathematics at Piner High School and co-directs the Alliance for Indigenous Math Circles. In her moving acceptance speech, Donna reflected on the power of visibility, representation, and resilience. She spoke about the deep underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the importance of humanizing math education, and the parallels between the generational trauma of Holocaust survivors and that of Native American communities.
Drawing connections between historical narratives, Donna emphasized how storytelling fosters empathy, healing, and a sense of belonging. A longtime collaborator with the JFCS Holocaust Center, Donna is a cherished member of our Educator Leadership Council, where her advocacy continues to shape inclusive and justice-driven educational practices.
“History is not there for us to like or dislike. It is there for you to learn from. And if it offends you, even better, because then you’re less likely to repeat it.”— Donna Fernandez
Donna’s words remind us that education is not just about lessons in textbooks, but about honoring lived experiences, confronting injustice, and empowering the next generation to build a more compassionate world. Her dedication to uplifting Indigenous voices and connecting histories of resilience continues to inspire students and educators alike—and exemplifies the very spirit of the Morris Weiss Award.