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Growing up in the close-knit Jewish community of York, Pennsylvania, Karen Borger learned early lessons about standing up against prejudice and hatred. These formative experiences, coupled with the haunting testimony of her childhood cantor and Holocaust survivor Alex Hirsch, shaped her lifelong dedication to Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism.

"Cantor Hirsch sometimes put aside our Hebrew school lessons to share his unimaginable experiences," Karen recalls. His most devastating story – of seeing his fatigued young son gunned down during a forced march between concentration camps and his wife at the designation’s gas chamber – left a lasting mark on Karen's consciousness. "He was the first survivor I ever met, and he is largely responsible for my commitment to Holocaust education."

Reinforced by her own experiences confronting antisemitism, Karen’s commitment has found permanent expression through the Karen Borger Holocaust Education Fund, designated to support the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center's mission to teach Holocaust history, promote human dignity, and confront all forms of hate.

Karen's passion for social justice was nurtured by her family’s example. When her father, who owned his own business, declined an invitation to a golf outing at a country club that excluded Jewish members, his status as the sponsor's largest customer prompted a change of venue. Similarly, Karen and her friends successfully advocated moving their senior prom from the same discriminatory club. "Activism was part of my life – being exposed to prejudice and antisemitism taught me to speak up."

On the recommendation of her professional advisor, Karen approached the Rhode Island Foundation to establish her fund. She recognized the Foundation as an "amazing organization" that would responsibly steward her legacy and shepherd her fund, from generation to generation. The Foundation's long history of experienced and expert philanthropic management aligned perfectly with Karen’s vision for enduring, sustainable impact.

With fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors remaining, Karen recognizes the urgent need to preserve and share their experiences. "When they can't tell their stories anymore, we need to continue to speak up against the dangers of antisemitism and hate and be committed to promoting acceptance and understanding through education," she explains. Through her fund, Karen aims to ensure the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center has the resources to expand its outreach and educational initiatives.

Recently, Karen celebrated her birthday by requesting contributions to the fund instead of gifts, introducing her guests to the Center's vital work. Through this fund, Karen has transformed her personal mission into a lasting catalyst for education, understanding, and social change.  Says Karen, "We owe it to our ancestors, survivors, and future generations to try.”