About RUTH

From a Daughter’s Promise to a City’s Call

RUTH grew from survivor memory, family artifacts, traveling exhibitions, community response, and a call for a permanent Holocaust museum in San Diego.

Our story

RUTH began with the legacy of Holocaust survivor Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax. Her daughter, Sandra Scheller, transformed family artifacts and memories into an educational exhibition that has traveled across Southern California.

Over time, survivors and families entrusted RUTH with additional stories and objects, while students, educators, families, and community members called for a permanent home for this work.

Mission

Preserve memory. Educate. Confront antisemitism.

RUTH’s mission is to preserve the memory of the Holocaust through personal stories and immersive education, inspiring people to stand against antisemitism, bigotry, and historical denial.

Leadership

Led by memory, scholarship, and community responsibility.

Sandra Scheller

Founder and Board President

Founder of RUTH, Holocaust educator, filmmaker, and curator, and daughter of survivors Kurt and Ruth Sax, whose stories inspired the museum.

Moisés Salinas Fleitman, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Scholar, educator, and community leader with experience in intercultural psychology, Judaic studies, antisemitism, higher education, and museum-related projects.

Miriam Bogan

Director of Development

Leads RUTH’s development efforts, including donor engagement, fundraising strategy, campaign support, and institutional relationships.

Board of Directors

RUTH’s Board

RUTH is guided by a ten-member Board of Directors whose members contribute experience in Holocaust remembrance, education, advocacy, community leadership, business, the arts, and public service.

Sandra Scheller

President

Founder of RUTH, Holocaust educator, filmmaker, and curator, and daughter of survivors Kurt and Ruth Sax, whose stories inspired the museum.

Barry Soper

Vice President

Former attorney, author, humanitarian advocate, and longtime supporter of Jewish community initiatives and RUTH’s mission.

Ashley Levy

Secretary

Associate Director of StandWithUs Southwest, advancing Israel education, coalition-building, and efforts to confront antisemitism.

Max Scheller

Treasurer

Artist, RUTH contributor, and grandson of survivor Ruth Sax, bringing family legacy and creative engagement to the museum’s work.

David Beck Brown

Director

Internationally exhibited San Diego artist, curator, and World War II collector committed to preserving history through art and material culture.

Myssie McCann

Director

Real-estate broker and business leader with decades of experience in property management and community engagement in South Bay San Diego.

Jonathan Morales

Director

Recognized for his courageous response as an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent during the 2019 Chabad of Poway synagogue attack.

Jack Morgenstern

Director

Former chair of San Diego’s Yom HaShoah Committee and a longtime participant in local Holocaust remembrance and education.

Liz Talpalatsky

Director

Daughter of Holocaust survivor Edith Palkowitz, carrying her mother’s legacy forward through remembrance, education, and community engagement.

Alex Shah

Director

San Diego real estate developer and property-management professional contributing business and community experience to RUTH’s growth.

Governance & transparency

Remember Us The Holocaust, Inc. is an active California Public Benefit Nonprofit Corporation