On January 27, 2025, the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of notorious death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, The Counter Extremism Project, a transnational, non-partisan, non-profit organization that has been successfully fighting extremism since its founding in 2014, announced the creation of The Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism and Radicalization: ARCHER) at House 88. House 88 is the site of the residence of Commandant of the Auschwitz from 1940-44, Rudolf Höss and his family.
It sits a few meters from the camp wall and across from Auschwitz’s original gas chamber and crematorium.
Through CEP’s ARCHER at House 88 initiative, House 88 will be transformed from one of the most notorious and heinous operational headquarters of the “Final Solution” into a unique global bulwark against antisemitism and other forms of hate. ARCHER at House 88 is the perfect symbol to reorient society around the forces of good–for tackling extremism as a universal challenge that requires a universal response.
“This historic initiative represents a crucial step in our fight against extremism,” said Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO of the Counter Extremism Project. “ARCHER at House 88 will serve as a vital hub for research, education, and—crucially—action in countering hate, antisemitism, and extremism globally.”
“The transformation of House 88 into ARCHER at House 88 represents a critical step in combating extremism and hate in all forms,” said Elliott Broidy. “This center will serve as a hub for research, education, and practical solutions.
The initiative includes plans for a new building designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to house research and educational programs. Operating in partnership with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and under the patronage of UNESCO, ARCHER will host fellowship programs for scholars, develop legislative initiatives for policymakers, and implement state of the art AI driven strategies to determine the networks funding extremist groups and extremist social media content and to disrupt them through exposure and lawfare.
Leaders and philanthropists Elliott Broidy and Dr. Thomas Kaplan are co-chairing the Fund to End Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism, which will fund the ARCHER at House 88 initiative. fundraising campaign for this innovative center.
Robin Broidy, who works alongside her husband Elliott, has been active in various anti-extremism efforts for many years. She emphasized the connection between local and global impact. “As members of the South Florida community, Elliott and I see firsthand how critical it is to build bridges and take meaningful action against hate”. ARCHER’s mission resonates deeply with our community’s values and commitment to ensuring ‘Never Again’ means exactly that.”
A former Nazi commandant’s house adjacent to Auschwitz will be transformed into an educational center focused on combating extremism and antisemitism, with support from Boca Raton residents participating in the international initiative.
The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) announced last week that the building known as “House 88,” which once served as the residence of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and which literally overlooked the Auschwitz extermination camp, will become the Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER). The initiative launches as antisemitism surges globally, with recent Anti-Defamation League data showing a dramatic rise in antisemitic attitudes worldwide over the past decade.
Elliott Broidy
Boca Raton, Florida residents Robin and Elliott Broidy are among several high-profile philanthropists supporting the project through their role with The Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate.
Their involvement is motivated by a deep personal commitment to combating antisemitism by developing effective narratives that focus on the dangers of extremism to all of society, eliminating virulently antisemitic social media text and video accounts, lobbying to change and enforce laws against discrimination and hate speech, and disrupting the network that funds the dissemination of extremist ideologies, including antisemitism.
The center, developed in partnership with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and under UNESCO patronage, will focus on understanding how extremist ideologies take root in society and how to disrupt and undo the damage. Through its educational programs, the initiative will examine how misinformation spreads, how propaganda shapes perception, and how communities can actively work to prevent the normalization of extremist views.
Teaching the Next Generation to Recognize Antisemitism
Robin and Elliott Broidy
“ARCHER at House 88 is about more than remembrance—it’s about action,” said Elliott Broidy. “We are at a critical moment where the next generation is being bombarded with propaganda that distorts history and dehumanizes entire communities. Young people have an innate desire to belong, and many are drawn into movements without understanding their true nature. We must ensure they have the tools to recognize antisemitism and extremism, no matter how it is disguised.”
Broidy emphasized the dangers of antisemitic narratives taking hold in mainstream discourse, comparing modern-day misinformation to past propaganda that led to devastating consequences.
“We have seen throughout history how individuals, thinking they are on the right side of history, become complicit in atrocities,” he said. “Those who today support terrorist organizations like Hamas, thinking they are fighting for justice, will one day be horrified by their actions—just as many Germans, Poles, and others were after the Holocaust. ARCHER will work to educate people before they fall prey to such dangerous ideologies.”
A Center Rooted in Elie Wiesel’s Call to Action
ARCHER’s comprehensive research program will establish a global network of scholars and practitioners. The center will host a prestigious research fellowship program annually that includes both PhD students and prominent academics. The fellows will conduct on-site research and contribute to the center’s educational and advocacy initiatives. Additionally, non-resident fellows will collaborate remotely, ensuring a diverse range of international perspectives in the study of extremism.
The research facility will feature state-of-the-art AI software and technology that will enable the discovery of extremist networks, emerging trends, and how extremists are using social media to spread their hateful and damaging rhetoric. Regular academic conferences, workshops, and training sessions will bring together experts from around the world to develop effective strategies for combating extremism and hatred.
“Elie Wiesel once urged us to ‘Never Forget,’ believing that remembering the Holocaust would prevent history from repeating itself,” said Robin Broidy. “But in 1986, he acknowledged that remembrance alone was not enough. ‘Sometimes we must interfere,’ Mr. Wiesel said. That moment of realization—that combating hate requires active engagement—is what drives ARCHER at House 88.”
She continued: “We can no longer afford to be neutral in the face of rising antisemitism. As Wiesel himself warned, ‘Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.’ This center is not just a memorial; it is a place of action. We are equipping the next generation with the knowledge and strategies to fight back against propaganda, challenge misinformation, and ensure that antisemitic ideologies do not take root in or become acceptable to society again.”
Global Support for the Initiative
Co-chairs of The Fund to End Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism, Elliott Broidy and Thomas Kaplan
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has noted that with fewer Holocaust survivors remaining to share their firsthand accounts, investing in education for younger generations becomes increasingly vital. ARCHER will work to address this need through comprehensive educational programs and training materials developed for expert communities and the wider public.
The architectural transformation of House 88 will be led by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, who previously designed the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the World Trade Center site master plan. Libeskind’s design will carefully preserve House 88’s historical significance while an additional building will be built on the site for the fellows to work in and for meetings and conferences.
A unique aspect of the center will be its partnership with Italian musician Francesco Lotoro, who has spent decades collecting music composed in concentration camps. These compositions will play in perpetuity in the Francesco Lotoro Sound Hall, serving as a testament to resilience in the face of extremism. The sound hall will be acoustically designed to showcase these historically significant works while honoring their creators.
The project opened to the public on January 27, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. A mezuzah was placed on the doorpost and the house was symbolically transformed from a house of hate to a house against hate.
Delegations from many countries including the US, Canada, Germany and Poland visited and toured House 88. ARCHER at House 88 will work with governments, multilateral organizations, and educational institutions to develop effective strategies for combating extremism and antisemitism. Those interested in supporting the ARCHER at House 88 initiative can visit counterextremism.com/donate
Launch event held on January 27th marks the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz.
On January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and co-chairs of The Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate, Elliott Broidy and Dr. Thomas Kaplan announced the launch of a major fundraising campaign to help fund the Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER) at House 88.
Spearheaded by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), ARCHER aims to transform the former residence of Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss in Oświęcim, Poland, from a center ofhate to a center against hate in all forms. In addition to the residence, famed architect Daniel Libeskind has designed an extraordinary new building on the grounds of House 88 to house the organization’s research, education, and advocacy activities.
“This historic initiative represents a crucial step in our fight against extremism,” said Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO of the Counter Extremism Project. “ARCHER at House 88 will serve as a vital hub for research, education, and—crucially—action in countering hate, antisemitism, and extremism globally.”
“The lessons of history demand that we do more than just remember—we must act,” said Dr. Thomas Kaplan. “ARCHER at House 88 is not just about preserving history; it is about changing the future. By transforming this house—once a symbol of unimaginable evil—into a center dedicated to combating extremism and hate, we are sending a powerful message. But we cannot do this alone.”
Elliott Broidy added, “This is a call to action—our fundraising efforts are critical to ensuring that this initiative succeeds in its mission to create a world free from extremism. I am thrilled that leaders and philanthropists Aryeh Bourkoff, Senator Norm Coleman, Eric Herschmann, Kenneth B. Mehlman, George Schaeffer, Lenny Sands, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, and Dr. Herbert Wertheim have all joined the Board of the Fund.” (Board In Formation)
Senator Norm Coleman said, “I am honored to stand in support of ARCHER at House 88 and its mission to confront antisemitism and extremism head-on. Converting the former Auschwitz Commandant’s residence into a global center for education and advocacy sends a resounding message: antisemitism, extremism, and hate will never prevail, and we are committed to building a future defined by tolerance and understanding.”
Businessman Kenneth B. Mehlman said, “Never Again must be more than a slogan. It requires active engagement, education, and vigilance. ARCHER at House 88 will honor Auschwitz’s victims by educating, engaging, and warning future generations about the evils of genocidal hatred.”
The ARCHER initiative is now actively seeking additional support to expand its programs, including:
A fellowship program for leading scholars focused on extremism research
Educational programs for policymakers, educators, and the public
Policy advocacy implementing actionable strategies to combat hate
About Elliott Broidy
Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a career spanning four decades. As Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Holdings, he has invested in over 160 companies across multiple industries. Since 9/11, his investments have focused on companies in the public safety and national security sectors. Through his philanthropic efforts, he has supported numerous organizations dedicated to countering hate and extremism, including The Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance, The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), the George Washington University Program on Extremism, and StandWithUs.
About Dr. Thomas Kaplan
Dr. Thomas Kaplan is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for global education, cultural preservation, and the fight against extremism. As the former President and Chairman of New York’s 92nd Street Y, a world-renowned Jewish community and cultural center in New York, Dr. Kaplan has long supported initiatives that promote Jewish history and cultural awareness. He is also the founder of the Recanati-Kaplan Intelligence Fellows Program at Harvard’s Belfer Center and co-creator of a similar program at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs, furthering advancements in intelligence and geopolitical strategy. Through his philanthropic work, Dr. Kaplan is committed to fostering education, historical preservation, and impactful global change.
About ARCHER at House 88
ARCHER at House 88 is a global research and education center dedicated to combating extremism, antisemitism, and hate. Established by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) in collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and UNESCO, the center serves as a hub for scholarly research, policy development, and public education.
About the Counter Extremism Project (CEP)
The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) is a nonprofit, non-partisan policy organization formed in 2014 to combat extremism by pressuring financial and material support networks; combating online recruitment and communications; and promoting progressive laws, policies, and, regulations.
Boca Raton, FL – Elliott Broidy, Founder and CEO with a focus on defense and public safety, joins in recognizing National Work and Family Month this October. The month offers a timely reminder of the essential balance between professional demands and personal commitments, which Broidy believes is fundamental for both long-term success and well-being.
“Working in high-stakes industries, it’s easy to become entirely absorbed by the demands of our careers,” Broidy shares. “Yet, it’s the strength, love, and support we receive from family that truly enables us to thrive. Our work and family lives should complement each other, not be sources of competition or tension.”
As of 2023, nearly 50% of married-couple families had both spouses working, underscoring the need for balanced priorities amid increasing demands. Studies reveal that workplace stress contributes to serious health issues, making it crucial to recognize the importance of well-being for sustainable success.
Broidy encourages his colleagues, fellow business leaders, and entrepreneurs to reflect on their own work-life balance this month, urging them to adopt effective time management practices that allow for meaningful time with family without compromising career aspirations.
“Through mindful time management and an emphasis on strong family connections, we can bring our best selves to work and to life,” Broidy adds. “National Work and Family Month serves as a valuable reminder that success in our careers and personal lives should go hand in hand.”
Miami, FL – July 25, 2024 – Elliott Broidy, Founder and CEO, long dedicated to strengthening public safety and security through his work in defense and homeland security sectors, celebrates National Hire A Veteran Day by highlighting the invaluable skills veterans bring to the civilian workforce. This day serves as a powerful reminder of veterans’ dedication, sacrifice, and the unique strengths they offer to employers across all industries.
National Hire A Veteran Day, observed each July 25 since its establishment in 2017 by Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, is a call to action for businesses nationwide to prioritize veteran hiring.
“To all veterans, I express my deepest gratitude for your service, sacrifice, and courage,” said Broidy. “It’s our duty to support you in return, by acknowledging the exceptional qualities you bring to any organization. Veterans contribute unmatched discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that align seamlessly with the demands of any team and mission.”
Each year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition from military to civilian life. By hiring veterans, businesses not only recognize their sacrifices but also enrich their teams with diverse perspectives and a dedication to excellence.
“On this National Hire A Veteran Day, I urge my colleagues and leaders across sectors to recognize the immense value veterans bring to our organizations,” Broidy adds. “Providing opportunities for veterans to thrive post-service is not only a responsibility but a privilege that strengthens our workforce and honors their contributions to our country.”
Los Angeles, CA – October 7, 2024 – Elliott Broidy, founder and CEO, and long-time advocate for U.S. and allied security, has released a statement on the one-year anniversary of the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In his recent blog post, Broidy shares his reflections on the tragedy, the ongoing impact of that day, and the importance of global remembrance and vigilance against rising antisemitism.
“October 7 should have been a day of joy,” Broidy recalls. “It was Shabbat and Simchat Torah, a day of celebration in the Jewish calendar. Tragically, it turned into one of unimaginable horror. We remember the innocent lives lost, the brutal actions inflicted by Hamas, and the courage shown by those who tried to protect others in the face of unspeakable violence.” Among the hardest-hit was the Nova music festival, an event centered on peace, where 364 innocent people were murdered, while more than 40 others were abducted.
Broidy recently attended The Nova Music Festival Exhibition: October 7th 06:29 AM – the Moment Music Stood Still in Los Angeles, an immersive recreation of the tragic scene. “Walking through the exhibit brought everything back—burned cars, abandoned shoes—all haunting reminders of the day’s brutality. The shoes especially reminded me of similar displays in Holocaust museums, evoking a profound sense of loss and the darkness humanity can inflict.”
Reflecting on the aftermath, Broidy shared his anger at the distressing responses he observed, from individuals celebrating the attacks to protests that glorified the atrocities of October 7. He expressed deep concern over the surge in antisemitic hate crimes in the U.S., which reached record highs in 2023, as well as his dismay that Israel did not receive global solidarity in the wake of such violence.
“As we mark one year since that dark day, I urge people everywhere to remember the victims and to stand resolutely against hatred in all its forms. It’s a time for collective reflection and commitment to fostering peace, not division,” Broidy emphasizes. “This anniversary reminds us of the critical importance of supporting those who work to protect and serve against such threats.”
Elliott Broidy continues to advocate for security and public safety, stressing the importance of vigilance and remembrance as crucial steps toward a future free of such atrocities.
