Our Turn to Repair the World: Heather Dunhill and Ted Meekma

The Museum’s Permanent Exhibition brings the personal stories of the Holocaust to life for thousands of visitors each day—most of whom, like Heather Dunhill and Ted Meekma, are not Jewish and have no direct connection to the Holocaust. Coming face-to-face with shoes of the victims—the power of the real thing—creates an indelible impact. —US Holocaust Memorial Museum

When Heather Dunhill moved to Sarasota, Florida, more than 23 years ago, she didn’t know a soul until she met her first friend, Jaymie Barrie Klauber.

It was through Jaymie that the city started to feel like home. Although not Jewish herself, Heather was taken in by the Jewish community. “They included me in every aspect of their lives from events to holiday dinner tables,” said Heather. “Patient with my questions and generous with literature, I learned about Jewish traditions and history from these friends who have long been family.”

Heather’s growing understanding of Jewish culture and involvement in the community became even more meaningful when she and her husband, Ted Meekma, visited the Museum on a trip to Washington, DC. “Our profound experience within the Museum walls influenced us to look beyond ourselves to contribute to a bigger mission,” said Ted.

Heather Dunhill and Ted Meekma

Although the non-Jewish couple has no personal connection to the Holocaust, they were inspired to act. “One does not need to be of the faith to properly understand and support the Museum’s mission,” explained Ted. “Just as those who are reading this now have been called to support what’s good and just, we are with you, and we are stronger together.”

“A Jewish friend, Myrna Band, taught me the term tikkun olam,” added Heather. “It’s our turn and the right time to help repair the world through this massively important institution.”

Earlier this year, Heather and Ted became Legacy of Light Guardian Founders — the Museum’s society recognizing gifts over $1 million to the Museum’s endowment. They chose to create a deferred and unrestricted gift to support the Museum’s capacity to educate current and future generations.

“For us, the highest potential is to educate all generations because we are the stewards of these lessons,” Heather explained. “Our words and actions must align for future generations to see us all as living examples of humanity. If we were to face and learn from the lessons of the Holocaust as a society, we would be prepared to address injustices collectively and fiercely declare: Never Again, with deep-rooted certainty that it cannot, will not, happen again to any segment of our global society.”

This article was first published in fall 2019.