By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 24, 2026 – A World War II–era train car replica used by Nazis to transport victims to concentration camps, will visit The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Edinburg and Brownsville campuses this month. 

Presented by the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Committee (THGAAC) as part of its statewide efforts to provide vital programming at colleges and universities, The Hate Ends Now Cattle Car event is a free, immersive Holocaust exhibit inside a replica cattle car designed to raise awareness and combat antisemitism and all forms of hate.

The public is invited to experience the exhibit in Edinburg (April 28–29) and Brownsville (April 30–May 1).

"This experience goes beyond a remembrance of the Holocaust and an honoring of the victims of one of the darkest chapters in our human history,” said Dr. Luis Torres-Hostos, School of Social Work founding dean and event organizer. “It is an opportunity to reconnect with its lessons, so that we can reflect on current times and emerge united and recommitted to combat antisemitism, discrimination, and hatred in all its forms and against all human beings, regardless of the path they walk."

Housed inside a train car, the experience incorporates survivor testimony and an emotionally immersive setting to encourage reflection, understanding and action.

“Our goal in bringing the Hate Ends Now Cattle Car to UTRGV isn't just to display history, it’s to confront it,” said Todd Cohn, Hate Ends Now CEO. “When students walk through the exhibit, they understand where unchecked hatred can lead, and more importantly, can leave with a sense of responsibility about where they want to lead their own communities.”

Approximately 25 minutes in length, the exhibit accommodates 20-25 guests inside a dark, cramped replica intended to reflect the terror and dehumanization victims endured during forced transport. Recorded survivor testimony helps visitors connect emotionally and historically to the human impact of antisemitic persecution. 

“The cattle car offers lessons that are essential to building understanding and ensuring the lessons of history are not forgotten,” said Kenneth E. Goldberg, THGAAC chairman. “This exhibit changes how people think about responsibility, community and the role each of us plays in confronting hate.”

In addition to the immersive cattle car presentation, the event will feature a curated display of rare original Holocaust artifacts. The exhibit is frequently hosted by schools and community organizations across Texas as an educational experience, with programming typically recommended for ages 12 and older.

EVENT AND REGISTRATION DETAILS 

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Wednesday, April 29, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: Paseo Walkway, between Innovation Building (EINNV) and the Learning Center (ELCTR)

Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B49A4A923A5F8C43-62816467-theuniversity

 

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville
Date: Thursday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.- 6p.m. and Friday, May 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Brownsville, University Library (BLIBR North Lawn)

Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B49A4A923A5F8C43-63293250-theuniversity