"After listening to you, I still don't understand why people had to go through torture and pain just because they were born Jewish. Perhaps it's because so much hatred is irrational. I also learned to become one step closer to peace. All of us must stop hatred. Why hate when we can love, or at least accept that everyone is different and unique, and that the world is better off because of that outlook?

It was difficult for me and the people around me to listen to you explain your story because we found it so upsetting, and, in a way, that is a good thing. It also made me sad because I believe no person should have to go through the pain that you your family and millions of others went through.

I participated in the candle lighting ceremony at the start of the symposium. When the candles were lit and we reflected on the millions of people killed, it was hard for me to look at you because I could see the pain in your eyes. Then, it hit me: we must stop racism in our school to prevent this tragic part of world history from repeating itself. We can make a difference; we have to make a difference!

Thanks again. You made me realize the unthinkable can happen, and it is up to all of us working as a community to make sure such horrible events never happen again."

Claremont Secondary School, Victoria, BC, Canada
Writing after listening to survivors speak at Victoria Holocaust Symposium