On March 7, 2025, community members gathered for an evening of reflection, education, and conversation featuring David Labkovski Project founder Leora Raikin presenting Art as an Antidote to Antisemitism.
The evening began with a Zamru Shabbat service, followed by a community dinner and Leora Raikin’s presentation exploring the role of art and education in combating antisemitism and preserving Holocaust history. Through the work of her great-uncle, Holocaust survivor and artist David Labkovski, Raikin shared how narrative artwork can help students and audiences engage with history in meaningful and personal ways.
David Labkovski’s collection of more than 400 artworks documents Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust, as well as his imprisonment in Siberia and later years in Israel. Through the David Labkovski Project’s educational programming, students become docents, curators, and peer-to-peer educators, using art as a tool for remembrance, dialogue, and leadership.
During the presentation, Raikin discussed the continued growth of DLP’s Student Docent & Leadership Program, which has engaged students across Los Angeles schools and partnered with organizations focused on Holocaust education, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.
Raikin’s work has been presented internationally, including at the United States Military Academy at West Point and in programs throughout South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Lithuania, and Europe. In 2024, she was recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Senator Henry Stern for her dedication to Holocaust education and community impact.
The event highlighted the power of art to foster empathy, encourage dialogue, and ensure that the lessons of history continue to resonate with future generations.