The Jewish Federation of the Desert takes over operations of the Center for Tolerance Education

In a strategic move to increase education for our communities and students in the Coachella Valley school districts and beyond, the Jewish Federation of the Desert (JFED) has announced that it has taken over operations of the Tolerance Education Center (TEC) in Rancho Mirage.

“The board of directors of the Jewish Federation of the Desert unanimously supported this collaboration as it aligns perfectly with our mission to serve our Jewish community and the broader Coachella Valley community,” said Arnie Gilman, JFED board chair. “This revitalized facility will serve as a catalyst for discussion, programming, action, and tolerance for all people. This venue will provide us with an event space to showcase world-class art and photography exhibitions, a lecture space for authors, a theater to premiere films, and a place to gather to educate and inform our youth, community stakeholders, and Holocaust survivors.”

Bricelyn “Bre” Koltun began her journey at the Center for Tolerance Education by accepting the position of director of educational programming in July of this year, after the JFED board of directors decided to take over its operations. She holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin and a degree in history and museum and genocide studies.

Koltun has worked in education design and facilitation in museums and nonprofit organizations for over 20 years and has spent time with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the University of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Chicago Children’s Museum.

“I believe it is critically important to provide students with learning opportunities outside of traditional campus spaces, where abstract ideas discussed in classrooms are viewed through the interpretive lenses of the humanities,” Koltun said. “I believe that in this way, learning can be translated through personal expression and experience. As a result, students have abundant ways to empathize in their various contexts, connected by a shared human experience.”

Nancy Zangwill Kaye originally served as the executive director of the Centre for Tolerance Education from 2022-2024 and is now re-establishing its operations as a marketing and development consultant, while focusing on TEC’s mission. Kaye, a Montreal native, has worked as a nonprofit professional for 20 years, planning and managing large, complex events for political and social service nonprofits, educational institutions, advocacy organizations, and private corporations.

Kaye previously served as associate director of the Anti-Defamation League, director of events at the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, and director of grants and communications at the Jewish Free Loan in Los Angeles, all while running her own events company Fancy by Nancy. Kaye holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto.

The Tolerance Education Center was founded by Holocaust survivor Earl Greif in 2006. It opened its doors to the public in 2009. Lectures, films, performances, and other programs with themes of tolerance are offered. Children are taken to TEC on field trips to hear first-hand accounts of intolerance and hatred from those who have survived, including survivors of the Holocaust, the Cambodian genocide, Japanese internment camps, or victims of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.

The mission of the Tolerance Education Center is to promote tolerance, civility, respect, and understanding by eliminating atrocities, hatred, and intolerance. Programs, activities, and exhibits provide an educational opportunity for students and the community at large to learn how to reduce prejudice, teach critical thinking, and empower those who visit to take a more active role in creating a more humane society. The hope is that visitors will leave with a mindset that rejects prejudice and hatred, questions stereotypes, and promotes diversity.

The Tolerance Education Center is located at 35147 Landy Lane in Rancho Mirage. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Sunday by appointment. For more information about upcoming art or photography exhibits, lecture series, or Jewish Book Council events, please visit www.toleranceeducationcenter.org.

About the Jewish Desert Federation

The mission of the Jewish Desert Federation is to enhance and enrich the quality of Jewish life by recognizing and supporting the charitable, educational, humanitarian and social service needs of the Jewish community locally, nationally, abroad and in the State of Israel.

For more information, visit jfedps.org or call (760) 324-4737.

Jeff Hocker is the publicist and marketing consultant for the Jewish Desert Federation.

This article originally appeared in the Palm Springs Desert Sun: Desert Jewish Federation takes over Tolerance Education Center