District Educator Receives Prestigious Awards Recognizing Commitment to Holocaust Education

The Robert I. Goldman Award recognizes individuals who empower educators and students to understand the Holocaust's history and its lessons. It honors educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching the history of the Holocaust. The award is named in memory of Robert I. Goldman, one of the founding trustees of the JFR who served as vice chair and led its education committee until his passing in 1998. 

The JFR invited Coombs on a special trip to Poland in January 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. While in Poland, the JFR hosted a dinner with Polish Rescuers who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Poland's Secretary of State and Chief Rabbi were also in attendance. To her surprise, Coombs was honored with the award at the end of the dinner.

Coombs also received the John C. Randolph Award from the Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews. The John C. Randolph Award is presented annually to individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment to promoting fellowship, understanding, and respect among all religions and cultures. 

Established in 2004, the award is named in honor of John C. Randolph, a founding member and current chairman of the Fellowship who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and community cohesion. Recipients of this award are recognized for their significant contributions to advancing the Fellowship's mission of education, dialogue, and addressing issues rooted in intolerance and unjust discrimination.

“Winning these awards is both an incredible honor and deeply humbling,” Coombs said. “They are not just a reflection of my work, but of the dedicated educators, Holocaust Survivors, and community partners who have stood alongside me in the fight against antisemitism and in preserving the memory of the Jewish people.”

Coombs has worked for the District for 27 years. Her dedication to Holocaust education stems from a deep commitment to ensuring that students learn the lessons of history to combat hate and foster empathy. The most meaningful part of her job is seeing students and educators engage deeply with Holocaust history, making connections to their own lives, and becoming inspired to stand up against injustice. 

“I am privileged to continue the work of those who came before me, and I carry their legacy forward with gratitude and determination,” Coombs said. “These awards belong to everyone who believes in the power of education to stand against hate and build a more just and compassionate world.”