HUMANITIES

REMEMBRANCE OF THE HOLOCAUST EXCURSION

“Six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, a large percentage of those have never been named or identified.”

It is our responsibility as a generation to bear witness to this momentous tragedy and to carry the memory of those unnamed by history. On the 8th of May, two students from each Wisdom and Service class were selected to attend the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony at Alkira Secondary College alongside students from Heritage College and Mount Scopus Memorial College. 

On the day of the excursion, we listened to the insights of guest speakers Les Kausman and MP Gary Mass, who explained the impact that hate has had on our society, predominantly beginning with words and stereotypes. This links to the ‘Respect Unit’ studied by students in Wisdom and Service with the pyramid of hate. 

However, the most moving speech was presented by Holocaust survivor Peter Gaspar, who shared his first hand experiences as a Jewish survivor in Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia, where he was deported to the Terezin Concentration camp. It taught us the value of resilience and importance of being upstanders in times of turmoil and violence. At the end of the ceremony, we formed a small group to discuss the importance of integrity and optimism when it comes to leadership and how we can use empathy to bridge gaps between students. 

The experience made us feel privileged that we didn't have to endure the hardship they endured, the least we can do is carry on their memory and ensure that such a horrific event is not repeated. 

Never shall we forget.

Nikki Bharathy and Patrick Rule

Year 9 Students