Holocaust Survivor Shares Story of Survival and Hope with Middle Schoolers

On April 19 Grades 7 and 8 students and several faculty members gathered in the Great Hall to hear Henry Friedman, a Holocaust survivor and founder of the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, speak about his experiences.

Mr. Friedman recounted his childhood in pre-war Brody, Poland, and offered detailed explanations of his treatment as a Jew during Nazi occupation. Instead of moving to the ghetto, his family went into hiding and remained there for 18 months. Friedman credits his survival to the preparations his father made in anticipation of the Nazi German invasion.
 
Although parts of Mr. Friedman’s history were harrowing and heartbreaking, he also offered a powerful message. “Each one of you is different, but each one of you is special. Don’t let anyone tell you that one is better than the next. Each one of us has something special to offer,” he said.
 
Despite the hardships Mr. Friedman endured while in hiding with his family, his outlook is optimistic. “Anything can happen to you, but never, ever, give up hope,” he said in conclusion to his talk.

Grade 7 students have been studying primary sources and narratives as they begin writing research papers based on a country’s involvement in World War II. Last year, students traveled to the Holocaust Center, where exhibits are used to engage visitors and teach them about the importance of an individual’s actions through community programs and exhibits.
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