2026 Award Winners
Gerda Haas Award Winners
We are so proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Gerda Haas Award for Excellence in Human Rights Education and Leadership, the Center’s highest honor. This year’s recipients—the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), In Her Presence, and Hope Acts—are recognized for their leadership in advancing human dignity, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers throughout Maine. Together, these four organizations reflect the enduring values the Gerda Haas Award was established to recognize. Through legal services, education, leadership development, housing, and community support, they have strengthened Maine communities while affirming the dignity and worth of every person.
“ILAP is honored to receive the Gerda Haas Award, alongside our partners at the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, In Her Presence, and Hope Acts. It means so much to receive this award for our collective work to demand justice and human rights for all immigrants, while a mass deportation campaign terrorizes immigrant communities around the country. We are grateful to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine for shining a light on immigrants’ rights during this important moment, and for their mission, which calls upon us all to reflect and act upon our moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination.” — Sue Roche
“After the recent Supreme Court decision reversing asylum policies that were put in place following World War II, we must act to preserve the dignity of people fleeing crises, whether they be political, economic, or ecological. MIRC is dedicated to advancing a future where dignity is not a privilege based on the country you were born in.” —Mufalo Chitam
“This award is a powerful reminder that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and the opportunity to thrive. We accept it on behalf of the courageous immigrant women and families we serve, whose resilience inspires us every day, and alongside the many partners and advocates who stand beside us. Together, we are building a more welcoming, just, and compassionate Maine.” — Claudette Ndayininahaze
“Hope Acts is honored to be a co-recipient of the Gerda Haas Award. At this dark time in our country, all of us must work to protect human rights, individually and collectively. We are grateful to the HHRC for its ongoing education and advocacy against racism and prejudice, and for the human rights of all people.” — Madeleine Saucier
The Distinguished Service Award
We are so grateful to award Jack Montgomery the Distinguished Service Award. Jack has been connected to the HHRC since its founding. In the 1980s Jack took stunning portraits of Maine Holocaust survivors, many of them founders of the HHRC. He has remained a valued member of our community for all these years. Five years ago, Jack decided it was time to create a book to conjoin his portraits with their personal stories. and so he did, and the result is From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of the Survivors. Jack has traveled the state speaking about his book—in libraries, schools, and community centers. The book is also available online
The 2026 Student Award Winners
Lauren Jordan, who graduated from Noble High School in North Berwick, is receiving the award for her essay. Says Lauren,
“I thoroughly enjoyed the writing process because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about my family’s history. Although I grew up around Jewish traditions, I had never really sat down and talked with my grandfather about our family’s experiences until writing this essay, and hearing those stories made the Holocaust feel even more personal. Looking back, I also realized how much growing up in a small town shaped my perspective. I was often the only student who celebrated Hanukkah, and I remember realizing during lessons about the Holocaust that many of my classmates were unfamiliar with Jewish traditions and terms. That experience, along with seeing my family’s concern whenever antisemitism appears in the news, has shown me why education and remembrance are so important. This fall, I’ll be attending the University of Rhode Island as a Public Health major on the pre-med track, where I hope to continue serving others through medicine and community involvement.”
Nela Parker of Cony High School is receiving the award for her short story. Writes Nela,
"I have always been passionate about fighting for equality and human rights. Ever since I was younger, I've believed in using my voice to stand up for others, and writing this story felt especially meaningful because of the times we're living in. I hope this story encourages readers to think more deeply about the experiences of others and inspires conversations about issues that deserve more attention. While this story focuses on one important topic, I want to continue writing about a wide range of serious issues that often go unheard, using storytelling to raise awareness and build empathy. This fall, I'll be attending Emerson College, where I hope to grow as a writer and learn how to create stories that reach even more people. I've always loved creating, but now I finally know what I want to do with that passion. I hope to spend my life telling stories that make a difference and give a voice to people whose experiences deserve to be seen and understood."
Grace Jiang of Dexter Regional High School is receiving the award for a drawing she created. Writes Grace,
"What was initially a school assignment turned into something much greater and profound. I picked apart the theme of “Jewish Resistance” and focused on spiritual defiance—a form of resistance that goes unnoticed compared to armed uprisings and secret networks. I was inspired by a specific lyric in Radiohead’s Let Down: “One day, I am gonna grow wings.” I feel that this lyric cuts deep in the sense that death could have meant the same thing as freedom to the inmates. Moreover, it’s incomprehensible to us, the strength they had to bite their tongue and keep loving in the face of hurt. I’m honored that this piece meant something to The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, too. Thank you!"
Thank you!
We are indebted to all of these amazing public servant and creative, generous passionate people whom we have the honor of recognizing this year. Our Gerda Haas recipients, Distinguished Service honoree, talented student winners, and three new board members who are generously offering their time and experience and talents to strengthen and grow this ambitious non-profit. Thank you all for the transformative work you do every day.