Holocaust Survivor Speaks to Students

On Tuesday 12th May 2009, Year 9 were visited by Mr Josef Perl, a survivor of the Holocaust. Mr Perl came in to talk to the students about his experiences during World War 2 and also to answer any questions that they have. All students found the talk extremely interesting and very emotional. The following are extracts from students’ letters to Mr Perl

“Thank you very much for the fascinating and also terrifying insight into your life experience. Before you had come and talked to us, Nazi Germany and Hitler seemed very hard to believe and understand- it was just something that we studied in class. Now I can appreciate that it was all real and that people like you went through an horrific ordeal just because of your beliefs.”

- Elaine Seow

“I admire your personality and how you don’t agree with staying angry at someone and I think that it is really great that you are able to forgive the soldiers.”

- Rebecca Davies

“The most moving part of your tale was when you told us you saw your own mother, sisters, nieces and nephews being shot before your eyes. I know that I myself would never be able to cope as well as you have.”

- Sophie Waeland

“I found it very inspirational when you said that the children are the future and that if we tried we could make a difference in the world and make the future better.”

- Hannah Murphy

“I personally am very interested in the Holocaust and to have someone talk to me first hand about what happened was so interesting and I consider myself and my school friends very lucky. I wish you and your family the best and thank you again.”

- Saffron Secker