11 EAL Reflections on their visit to the Holocaust Museum

Hear from the last generation who has the opportunity to listen to a direct recount from Holocaust survivors.

We become their storytellers. So the real, human story is not forgotten.

From Sera: 

On September 10th, the EAL Cohort visited the Holocaust Museum, where we had the opportunity to explore a powerful display of exhibits and historical artefacts. It made me more appreciative of the small things in life, such as the simple act of drinking water. I was filled with emotions when he was telling his story.  Joe’s story touched me deeply and reminded us all of the importance of being brave, kind, and avoiding hatred. Hatred has caused so much suffering in the past. He also shared that he doesn't hate the broad race or religion. His words encouraged me to value my freedom and approach life with more compassion and courage.

From Hilary:

“Don’t hate. Hate is an awful thing for you and others”. This has made an impression on me as I have thought of hate as just innocent disapproval or disinterest, but I never thought that such an event was caused by hate. I have said that I hate a lot of things, small things, people, animals, or even food but now I know that hate is a much more powerful feeling and motivation than it sounds. Leaving that museum, I have felt more grateful and more appreciative for what I can experience and have; a childhood, being able to live with my family, able to know that they are safe and sound, able to go to school and have friends, not having to worry if I am going to be taken away or not and most importantly is that I can live with myself, my identity and be who I am.

From Teevan and Coco: 

As the last generation with the opportunity to hear Holocaust survivors’ direct testimonies, our responsibility is to actively listen, document, and preserve their stories while educating others about the Holocaust's profound lessons. We should honour the survivors' legacies and ensure that their harrowing experiences serve as a powerful and enduring reminder of the need for compassion. 

From Nick: 

The images and the artefacts from the Holocaust brought the horror of that time, which cannot be described in a textbook. What most deeply impressed me is the list of the laws that the Nazis created to forbid the Jews. These laws were ridiculous and nonsensical, such as they banned the Jews from buying cake. We need kindness to build a safe community in the future. Therefore, I put my blue chip in the ‘kindness’ jar. 

From Austin: 

After the excursion, I truly felt how peaceful the environment we are living in, and at the same time we must remember the contribution of our predecessors, they are the reasons that we can have such a secured environment.

From Anthea: 

It surprised me, that even though Joe had suffered such miserable things, you couldn’t find any hatred on his face while he was telling the story. One student asked him a question: “How do you feel about the Germans now?” He said that he doesn't blame the grandchildren, they are not responsible for the war, but he never forgives the Nazis. 

From Gavin:

I truly felt the pain that Jewish people felt during the Holocaust, and we received a better knowledge of how valuable our peaceful life is. History won’t repeat itself but people will, so it's our responsibility to ensure something like the Holocaust never happens again, as we are the last generation that have the fortunate opportunity to meet a victim from the Holocaust and concentration camp. We lived over the tragic history, experienced the suffering that Jewish people had through Joe’s memories. His story also enhanced the importance of having hope and staying determined within our heart. He taught us how to be strong, smart and keep a pure, kind heart under the risk of death. As a 21st Century young gentleman, I will not forget about this tragedy and I will pass this through to the next generation, to ensure history won't repeat again.