Holocaust Remembrance Day at John Carroll School Leaves Lasting Impact on Students

Marsha Tishler and Charles Heller Share Holocaust Experiences with Students

The Holocaust serves as a profound reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. It highlights the critical importance of promoting tolerance, empathy, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their background. Educating students about the Holocaust is essential in helping them comprehend the value of human rights and the dangers posed by bigotry and intolerance.

On March 4th, The John Carroll School held its annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from survivors and gain a deeper understanding of the events of World War II. This event was designed to educate and foster empathy among the students. Marsha Tishler shared her powerful story with the students, recounting how, as a young girl during the Holocaust, her parents lost 33 family members. She spoke of her mother’s frequent heartbreak and emphasised the importance of kindness. Tishler reminded the students that love is stronger than hate and that the world has good and bad people. Afterwards, the students were divided into small groups for further discussion.

Charles Heller also shared his experience with the students, explaining that, while he and his parents survived, he lost 25 family members. He emphasised his goal of helping students understand the horrors of the Holocaust and ensuring they recognise the cruelty that occurred, so such events are never repeated. The stories shared had a profound impact on the students. Senior Casey Carpenter highlighted the importance of reflecting on past events as a valuable learning experience, while Alyssa Hughes noted the immense trauma survivors faced and the bravery of both survivors and their descendants. The John Carroll School's Holocaust Remembrance Day educated students about history and emphasised empathy, kindness, and the importance of remembering and learning from the past.

Editor's Note:

Holocaust Remembrance Day at The John Carroll School is an important reminder of why it's crucial to teach young people about the horrors of the past. Hearing personal stories from survivors like Marsha Tishler and Charles Heller adds a powerful, real element to the history students learn in class. These stories of loss, resilience, and strength are lessons that can't be fully taught through textbooks. The event had a strong impact on the students. As they listened to the survivors and took part in discussions, they gained a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the importance of empathy, kindness, and standing up against hate. Students like Casey Carpenter and Alyssa Hughes shared how much they learned from the experience. In a world where intolerance and hatred are still challenges, the lessons from Holocaust Remembrance Day are more important than ever. 

Skoobuzz hopes that by teaching these lessons we can raise a generation that values love over hate and works to ensure the past's horrors are never repeated.