Elie Wiesel’s book ‘Night’ is a core part of the senior year English curriculum at JC and emphasizes the reason behind Holocaust education at our school: to never forget. The ability for survivors to share their stories for us to learn from is an incredible gift.
JC provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about human rights and receive an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust. The Holocaust education program at JC is something that is nonexistent at other schools in the area.
It is important that we take advantage of this program at JC and go into the experience with open minds. The topic can be sensitive and unsettling, but we must learn from our history. The senior D.C. trip and Remembrance Day are so much more than graduation requirements.
The intent of Holocaust Remembrance Day is for students to understand hate and genocide while learning that they can create change in the world. The hope is that students leave the day empowered by courageous stories and carry with them the memories of the unforgettable events.
I remember first learning about the Holocaust in my fifth grade English class and being in absolute shock that such an event had ever happened. Now, as a senior in high school, I have visited the Holocaust Museum, met survivors and their relatives, and have a deeper understanding of the largest genocide in human history.
Each year I watched as the senior classes before me took part in Remembrance Day and went on their class trip to Washington, D.C. Hearing both good and bad remarks, I was very excited going into the experiences. I believe that it is important that everyone goes into this trip open-minded and excited to learn.
In D.C., we visited the Holocaust Museum. The museum puts into perspective the number of people impacted by the Holocaust and the extreme conditions in Nazi Germany.
We also had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery where we watched the Changing of the Guard and participated in a Wreath Laying Ceremony. Each of these two incredible ceremonies honored some of the best people who fought for our country.
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, I was a guide for a third-generation survivor. I had the privilege to hear her tell her grandmother’s story.
She provided such detail and passion, and it was a moving experience. Throughout the day, I also had encounters with child survivors who were eager to share their stories.
To be able to spend the day with Holocaust survivors and their families was an incredible experience. Remembrance Day gave us a chance to hear from people whose lives were directly affected or family members of those who were directly affected by the worst genocide our world has ever seen. To hear first-hand stories of resilience and strength as they survived such a tragic deprivation of human rights is an incredible gift.
The survivors and their descendants were happy that we wanted to hear their stories, so that their memories would not be forgotten. Our engagement is beneficial for both us and them.
Many students may enter the day thinking that every story from the Holocaust has a sad ending. As a student who heard the stories of survivors, I have learned that one can see the good in people through the stories of the survivors and the liberators. These stories should never be forgotten.