Reflections

In Support of San Diego’s own Holocaust Museum

By Sandra Scheller

My name is Sandra Scheller. I’m the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and my mother and maternal grandparents were also Auschwitz Holocaust survivors. I grew up in Chula Vista, Calif., and after high school I discovered the art of mime.

In 1975 and 1976, I was honored to be named the top female mime in a national competition. I later became a judge for that same competition. In 1978, I transitioned into flamenco dancing—another expressive art form that, like mime, required no words. Around the same time, I also held a rare and rather unusual job: I was the assistant to a knife thrower. Again, it was a silent role—and I was never hit by the blades.

By 1980, I had earned my bachelor’s degree and met the man who would later become my husband. We married in 1984, and he is not only the father of my children but also the love of my life. He remains incredibly supportive of what I’m trying to accomplish today.

You see, I have what I call a strange inheritance—a dress worn by my grandmother while she was imprisoned at Auschwitz. It was passed down to my mother, and eventually, it was given to me. This is not just a piece of fabric; it is a profound historical artifact. Many museums have expressed interest in acquiring it, but I believe it belongs in San Diego—in a museum that does not yet exist.

Despite San Diego’s size and the fact that many Holocaust survivors settled here, the city has never had a dedicated Holocaust museum. I’ve come to understand that while our parents and grandparents were focused on surviving and rebuilding their lives, the idea of creating such a space may not have been a priority. But it is now my mission.

In 2019, shortly after my mother Ruth passed away, I founded Remember Us The Holocaust, named in her honor. I could not let her memory fade. I felt—and still feel—a deep responsibility to lead by example for other children of survivors, encouraging them to preserve and share the stories of their parents and grandparents.

Something amazing has happened since we began organizing exhibits in 2020. People from all walks of life have come forward, trusting our organization with the sacred responsibility of preserving memory. They have donated personal memorabilia — items that carry deep emotional and historical significance.

Even more remarkable is when we receive calls from attorneys and the courts, informing us that they’ve come into possession of Nazi memorabilia that must be placed in the right hands. It’s a profound responsibility—and an honor—to ensure these items are not exploited or forgotten but instead used to educate and tell the truth.

Through these exhibits, we’ve come to understand something crucial: the need for a permanent, physical Holocaust museum here in San Diego. Temporary spaces can only go so far. We’ve witnessed the powerful impact of in-person programs, school field trips, and educational visits. What’s truly moving is when children return with their parents—eager to share what they’ve learned. These experiences show us just how important it is to have a lasting place of remembrance—one that tells the truth and keeps history alive.

We know that creating a permanent Holocaust museum in San Diego is going to be a long road. All I ask of God is to give me the time and strength to see this project completed—and to enjoy the fruits of this labor of love.

Most of all, I want our Holocaust survivors here in San Diego to live to see it too — to witness a space dedicated to their stories, their strength, and their legacy. A place that ensures their truths will never be lost, but instead passed on—to future generations who need to hear them most.

I am truly blessed that I don’t have to do this alone. With the help of Sam Landau, Paul Nussbaum, Barry Soper, and David Beck Brown, we have built a strong and dedicated foundation committed to preserving Holocaust memory and educating future generations.

What’s even more remarkable is how our foundation has grown stronger through the support of the San Diego Museum Council, Bob Lehman, and the Imperial Court Council, led by Nicole Murray Ramirez. Their involvement has brought powerful new alliances and shared purpose.

You see, they have been fighting for their own rights and freedoms through advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community—just as we, as Jews, continue to fight for the freedom to remember, to tell our stories, and to make choices about how our history is preserved and honored. There is a deep and meaningful connection in our shared struggles and mutual respect.

Additionally, I’ve been humbled by the support and guidance of members from the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. They have come forward to educate me about their own suffering during the Holocaust—a history that is often overlooked. Their voices, too, are part of the story we aim to tell.

Together, we are building something greater than ourselves—a permanent home for truth, remembrance, and unity across communities.

Right now, my goal is simple but deeply important: to ensure that every Holocaust survivor who is willing to speak has the opportunity to be heard. When we listen to a Holocaust survivor, we become witnesses ourselves—and that is one of the most powerful tools we have against forgetting.

I often think about what the world will look like five years from now. It’s hard to imagine, especially because the Holocaust survivors of San Diego have become like family to me. They guide me, keep me grounded, and make sure I’m staying true to this mission. And trust me—if I do something that doesn’t sit right with them, they don’t hold back. I welcome that honesty, because it keeps this work real and accountable.

My greatest hope is that younger generations can embrace these stories not only with empathy but with strength. That they see the lessons of the Holocaust not just as painful history, but as a call to action—to stand up, to speak out, and to never let hate go unchallenged.

Do I see a Holocaust museum in San Diego in the near future? Yes, I do—with help from the community. But it will take many voices, lifted together, to reach God’s ears.

G-d has not let me down yet—not after what my family endured in the Holocaust. That faith, and the strength passed down to me, continues to guide every step of this journey.

The Holocaust exhibit is open during La Jolla Library hours, with free educational programs held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. This important project is funded by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant.

The exhibit features the powerful ceramic artwork of Maria Coleman, a Holocaust survivor, alongside rare Holocaust memorabilia that has been generously collected and donated to our organization. These items are displayed with historical banners that offer reflection, education, and lessons from the Holocaust—reminding visitors of the past while encouraging dialogue for a better future.

To schedule a tour or make a donation to the exhibit — including World War II memorabilia — or to arrange for a Holocaust survivor to speak or have their story documented, please contact me at rememberustheholocaust@gmail.com or call (619) 422-3429.