Location: Chatsworth, California
Program Year: 2025
The David Labkovski Project (DLP) partnered with Our Community Charter School (OCS) in Chatsworth to bring its project-based Holocaust education program to eighth grade English Language Arts students. The collaboration began after OCS teachers attended a DLP exhibit at the Multicultural Learning Center (MLC) and a presentation at Councilmember John Lee’s Educators Roundtable.
Led by DLP Director of Education Resa Nikol, more than 40 students participated in workshops centered around the artwork and history of Holocaust survivor and artist David Labkovski. Through visual storytelling, students explored themes of Jewish life, resilience, identity, and the human impact of antisemitism and hate.
As part of DLP’s educational model, students engaged directly with Labkovski’s narrative artwork and created their own original artistic responses inspired by the themes and emotions within his work. The program culminated in a student Art Share, where students presented and discussed their artwork with parents, educators, and peers over the course of two days.
Several students reflected on Labkovski’s depictions of Jewish people forced from their homes during the Holocaust and interpreted these themes through personal artistic expression. Student Kevin described his piece, Killing Innocence, as a reflection on innocence and vulnerability, using deer imagery to symbolize those targeted and persecuted during the Holocaust. Student Helena created a piece inspired by the fear and uncertainty faced by Jewish families forced into the forests, exploring themes of hope and impossible choices through visual storytelling.
 | Killing Innocence. Kevin’s art reflection, OCS student In my favorite painting by David Labkovski, his work shows the innocence and how the Jewish people are no different from us. The stars are used to make them seem lesser than. I think deer represent innocence, and in my drawing, they’re being hunted by the Nazis. The fawn has a target on its head, and it is looking at you almost like it wants help but doesn’t know it’s in danger. |
 | Helena’s art reflection, OCS student David Labkovski’s work captures the fear of those forced from their homes during the Holocaust—people marked with stars walking into the forest, uncertain of their fate. My piece was inspired by this imagery and shows a boy standing between the forest and his town, torn between danger and the unknown. He resists following the footsteps leading into the woods, symbolizing the fear and impossible choices faced by millions. My drawing reflects Labkovski’s theme of holding on to hope when every path forward feels perilous. |
Seven students were recognized as DLP Ambassadors and received certificates honoring their leadership, participation, and commitment to the program.
Educators and parents also reflected on the impact of the experience.
“I was surprised at how deeply touched and connected I became to David Labkovski’s life story, and how students were able to make such meaningful connections,” said Anthony Mize, classroom teacher at Our Community Charter School.
A parent shared appreciation for the program’s impact on students, stating, “Thank you for recognizing my son Ethan’s artwork and vision. It was such a positive experience for him, and we truly appreciate the way you’re engaging students in learning about the Holocaust in a positive and meaningful way.”
Carey Bartlow, Executive Director of Our Community Charter School, also reflected on the students’ growth throughout the project, recognizing the dedication and mentorship provided through the program and celebrating the students selected to continue as DLP Ambassadors.
Through partnerships like the one with Our Community Charter School, DLP continues to expand opportunities for students to engage with Holocaust history through art, dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning experiences that foster empathy, reflection, and leadership.