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Elliott Broidy ARCHER at House 88

Boca Raton Resident Returns Home After Witnessing Historic Auschwitz Initiative

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This piece was originally published on Better This World on April 9, 2025.

Elliott Broidy Co-Chairs Effort to Transform Former Nazi Commandant’s Home into Global Center for Combating Extremism

Elliott Broidy, a Boca Raton resident and longtime philanthropist, has returned home after a historic and deeply personal trip to Oświęcim, Poland, where he took part in a groundbreaking initiative to transform the former residence of Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss into a global education and research center. The visit coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 and the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, a solemn moment in history that underscores the urgency of Holocaust education and combating rising antisemitism. Broidy, who serves as co-chair of the Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate, is helping lead the fundraising campaign for ARCHER at House 88, a new initiative housed in the former Nazi leader’s home aimed at educating future generations about the dangers of extremism.

A Personal Commitment to Holocaust Education

For Broidy, the mission is deeply personal. His wife, Robin, lost many members of her family in the Holocaust, a tragedy that has profoundly shaped their shared commitment to fighting antisemitism. “Education is our most powerful weapon against hate,” he said. “We need to teach future generations how antisemitism, and extremism in general, take root—how misinformation spreads, how propaganda shapes perception, and how even good people can be manipulated into supporting dangerous ideologies. This is not a passive fight. We have to actively work to counter these forces before history repeats itself.” Robin Broidy added: “ARCHER at House 88 is not just about remembering the horrors of the Holocaust—it’s about equipping the next generation with the knowledge to actively combat antisemitism in all its forms,” Robin Broidy said. “We cannot let misinformation and propaganda take root, as it has done so many times throughout history. We must help young people recognize how hate spreads, whether it’s coming from a respected university professor, a trusted friend, or an anonymous social media account.” Their words echo the sentiment of Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize laureate, who once believed that simply remembering the past would help prevent future atrocities. However, in 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Wiesel acknowledged that remembrance alone is not enough: “Sometimes we must interfere,” said Wiesel. “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”

Transforming a Symbol of Hate into a Center for Hope

Spearheaded by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), ARCHER at House 88 will convert the former commandant’s home into a global hub for research, education, and policy initiatives aimed at countering extremism in all its forms. The center will include:

  • A fellowship program for scholars specializing in extremism research.
  • Educational initiatives for policymakers, educators, and the public.
  • Advocacy efforts to combat hate through actionable policy strategies.

Famed architect Daniel Libeskind, known for his work on the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the master plan for the World Trade Center site, has designed an expansion of the facility to house these critical programs.

An Urgent Need for Action

Broidy’s involvement comes at a time of rising antisemitism globally, particularly on college campuses and online. The latest Global 100 survey conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that 46 percent of the world’s adult population (an estimated 2.2 billion people) harbor deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes. This number has increased by more than 100 percent since ADL’s first worldwide survey a decade ago. “We are witnessing an unsettling resurgence of antisemitism worldwide,” Elliott Broidy said. “Simply remembering the past is no longer enough—we must actively fight against the dangerous narratives that fuel hate. ARCHER at House 88 will be a critical tool in that battle.”

Looking Ahead

The fundraising efforts for ARCHER at House 88 are ongoing, with a coalition of philanthropists and global leaders joining the cause. Broidy hopes his Boca Raton community will take an active role in supporting the initiative, recognizing that the lessons of history belong to everyone. “This is not just a Jewish issue—it is a human issue,” he said. “We all have a responsibility to make sure the horrors of Auschwitz are never forgotten and never repeated.”

How to Get Involved

For those interested in supporting ARCHER at House 88, donations can be made at https://www.counterextremism.com/donate.

ARCHER at House 88

Elliott Broidy Supports Historic Site’s Transformation in Poland

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This piece was originally published on Metapress on March 29, 2025.
In the shadow of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi commandant’s residence is undergoing a remarkable transformation that embodies the shift from passive remembrance to active intervention against extremism. The project, supported by Boca Raton resident Elliott Broidy, aims to create a global center for confronting and combating extremist ideologies in today’s digital world.

From Symbol of Hatred to Center for Action

Known as “House 88,” the building once served as the residence of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz. Under the leadership of the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), it will become the Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER), a facility dedicated to identifying, exposing, and disrupting extremist networks.

The house, which sits directly adjacent to the Auschwitz death camp, represents one of the most striking examples of how extremist ideology can normalize atrocity. While millions were murdered just steps away, the commandant’s family cultivated a garden, built a greenhouse, and lived what they described as a “paradise.” This stark contrast—between ordinary domestic life and extraordinary evil—makes the site uniquely suited for understanding how extremist ideologies can take root and spread in society.

The transformation of House 88 marks the Auschwitz Museum’s first partnership “beyond the wall,” signaling a new approach to confronting extremism. This initiative goes beyond memorializing the past to actively countering today’s dangerous ideologies.

“This transformation represents a fundamental shift in how we approach extremism,” said Broidy, who serves as Co-Chairman of the Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate. “We’re moving beyond simply preserving history to actively working to prevent extremist ideologies from taking root and spreading.”

Confronting Modern Threats

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent data from the Anti-Defamation League’s Global 100 survey, released earlier this year, which reveals that approximately 2.2 billion adults worldwide harbor antisemitic attitudes—more than double the number recorded a decade ago. This dramatic increase, accelerated by the reach and speed of social media, has prompted new approaches to combating hatred and extremism.

For Broidy, supporting ARCHER aligns with his longstanding commitment to security and counter-terrorism initiatives. Following the events of 9/11, he redirected his focus toward developing solutions for emerging security challenges, particularly those involving the spread of radical ideologies.

Research and Action Initiatives

As outlined in the ARCHER overview document, the center will focus on several key strategies to combat extremism, including disrupting the material and financial support networks that enable extremist groups, countering online recruitment and incitement, and promoting effective laws, policies, and regulations.

The center will host ten resident research fellows annually, including five PhD students and five prominent academics, who will conduct innovative research on the developing threat landscape, extremist networks, and emerging trends. These fellows will pay particular attention to how extremists misuse emerging technologies and develop new financing methods.

CEP’s approach involves targeting the sources of extremism by focusing on real-world impact rather than just academic research. The center will work to identify and disrupt the most powerful networks and key actors promoting extremist ideologies today.

Preserving History While Taking Action

The physical transformation of House 88, led by architect Daniel Libeskind, carefully balances historical preservation with modern purpose. The design incorporates contemplative spaces where visitors can understand how extremist ideologies can normalize the unthinkable.

The renovation project is particularly complex given the site’s historical significance. The building’s exterior, which stands within sight of the Auschwitz wall, will be stabilized and restored to its original condition, including the reinstallation of preserved original “pebble” glass windows recently recovered from the property. The interior will be reimagined as a modern facility while maintaining the structural integrity of this UNESCO-protected site.

The grounds themselves tell a powerful story. The property includes the commandant’s former garden, greenhouse, and a walled area that once contained a sauna and patio—spaces where the Höss family lived an ordinary life while overseeing mass murder. Under Libeskind’s plan, these areas will be transformed into spaces that encourage visitors to recognize how dangerous ideologies can normalize the unthinkable.

Turning Awareness into Action

According to Broidy, ARCHER will work with governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to develop and implement effective strategies for countering extremism.

The center’s location—adjacent to Auschwitz-Birkenau—serves as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. While millions visit the former death camp each year, ARCHER will focus on the urgent work of identifying and disrupting today’s extremist networks.

“The transformation of House 88 represents a significant evolution in how society addresses the persistent challenges of extremism,” Brodiy underscored. “As this historic site begins its new chapter, it stands as a testament to the importance of moving beyond passive remembrance to active intervention against the spread of dangerous ideologies.”

If you would like to assist The Fund to End Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism, which funds the Archer at House 88 initiative, please click here.

Elliott Broidy and Thomas Kaplan

International Anti-Hate Initiative launches with South Florida support

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This article was originally posted on:

https://www.islandernews.com/news/florida/international-anti-hate-initiative-launches-with-florida-support/article_94d66de2-ecd4-11ef-91e6-7f35d6d5aaec.html

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.

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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.”

For more information about ARCHER at House 88 or to support its mission, visit counterextremism.com/donate.

 

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Boca Raton Couple Joins International Initiative to Transform Historic Auschwitz Site

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This article was originally published on:

Boca Raton Couple Joins International Initiative to Transform Historic Auschwitz Site

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