Honoring the 1.5 Million: Leah Fox-Greenberg and the Mission of the Unknown Child Foundation
Some numbers are too large to comprehend — but too important to forget. The Unknown Child Foundation honors the 1.5 million Jewish children lost in the Holocaust, transforming a staggering statistic into an act of remembrance. Image: Eli Ostrow
Some numbers are too large to fully comprehend, and yet too important to forget. The Unknown Child Foundation exists to honor the 1.5 million Jewish children whose lives were cut short in the Holocaust, transforming an overwhelming statistic into a deeply human act of remembrance. At the helm is Leah Fox-Greenberg, the Foundation’s first Executive Director, whose decades of nonprofit leadership and deep ties to Memphis are helping ensure that these children are remembered with intention, dignity, and lasting impact.
What first drew you to the Unknown Child Foundation?
It was founded by teachers in DeSoto County who had NOTHING to do with the Jewish Community. I grew up being “the only Jewish person in school.” Not just in Memphis, but in college as well. I came away with the perspective that allies are even more important when you feel like a lone voice.
So many times, the Holocaust is thought of as a “Jewish” thing or “Jewish” history. The DeSoto County teachers and students understood fundamentally that the atrocities of the Holocaust must be remembered by every community and taught to all of our children in order to not be repeated.
What personal experiences or values influence the way you lead and shape the Foundation’s work as its first Executive Director?
One thing I learned a long time ago (and continue to work on daily) is that listening is more important than most of what you have to say. I have solved more problems by listening to all parties, taking notes, and then taking a breath before putting forth my thoughts and ideas.
I have learned that patience and communication are key. If you want to build an organization that lasts, you must build your community of donors, volunteers, and partners. People can’t just hear from us for that “holiday ask” — they need to be part of our mission and have a spark of passion!
The “Pennies Project” started as a middle school project, inviting students to gather one penny in remembrance of every child who lost their life in the Holocaust, and grew into a nonprofit. What is it about that origin story that you think captures the heart of what you’re building now?
Outside of the subject matter, which tugs at your heartstrings, it is about taking something small and making it into something larger to give to future generations. The Pennies Project started as a collection but became a mission to shine a light on the subject matter and teach it to children in areas where it may not usually be mentioned.
They can take what they learned in the classroom and gain even more insight when they visit our current exhibit at the DeSoto County Museum and our future permanent memorial, to be located in DeSoto County.
What are some of the ways the Foundation ensures that future generations will continue learning about and honoring these children?
I am happy to say that in every school I attended in Memphis, even if I was the only Jewish person in my class, we talked about Jewish holidays and had a Holocaust survivor speak. If you are in a rural area, that may not be part of the education. Through our educational resources and permanent memorial, we can ensure that all schools and communities have the opportunity to learn and inspire their students.
What do you hope people will take away from an encounter with the Foundation?
That history CAN repeat itself if we don’t educate future generations. Something like the Holocaust is not ancient history, and knowledge is one of the best tools we have to fight ignorance and hate.
If you know what factors led to the Holocaust, how it was planned in a methodical way over a short period of time, how it succeeded because so many people looked the other way, you understand how it could happen again, and how you, as a student, parent, loving human being, can help fight the hate. We all have a role to play to ensure that, no matter your race or faith, never again means never again.
As someone who was recently recognized among MBJ’s Women Who Lead, how would you describe your leadership style?
I’m a big believer in two principles when taking on a leadership role. One, anyone can come up with a good idea, no matter the title, age, experience, etc. Listen to everyone in the room, ask for feedback, and mean it. Take all ideas into consideration. Collaboration helps find the best solution.
Two, there is no job I ask someone to do that I would not do myself. I have cleaned the bathroom, passed out flyers, made the “asks” large and small, and worked with volunteers to set up and clean up. Basically, you must leave your ego at the door and remember why you came on board in the first place.
Looking ahead, how do you see the Foundation’s role growing in the community?
The Unknown Child Foundation seeks to fill two roles. First, to educate our children throughout the Mid-South about the children lost in the Holocaust. Second, to take what started our mission, and display the 1.5 million pennies from “The Pennies Project” as part of a permanent public memorial that can educate thousands and help grow our mission throughout the South.
With that growth, there are other long-term goals. Tennessee has a Holocaust Commission, but Mississippi does not. We would like to change that. There are classrooms all over our area that still need the resources we have, but we need to grow our base in order to serve them. We hope to recruit 100 new volunteers over the next couple of years to grow our educational programs and break ground on our permanent memorial.
What is your best piece of advice?
A bad day is not a bad week; a bad month is not a bad year. Pick yourself up and remember that you can only control your attitude and actions. Make those actions matter.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Film and TV. I am a closet cinephile, and I can be found at a Malco Theater a couple of times a month. And OG paper magazines/books. I need physical magazines and books. I just can’t do the Kindle/screen thing.
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.