Voices of Hope
High School Students speak to Holocaust survivors

"Learning about what happened in the Holocaust made me feel so lucky to
live in a place where most people do not have a problem with any certain race. At the Symposium, I felt very depressed and disturbed, but I was especially touched by your part of the presentation. Just to know that you actually survived such a horrific experience and you were able to stand on the stage and talk to us, was in my opinion, amazing". JuliAnneH.

"The Holocaust was a very tragic event in human history, and many people died for no good reason. If we students do not take an active stand against such atrocities, more of them could happen. And if they continue to happen, it is possible events like that could happen to us ourselves. If that happened, would anybody be informed, able and willing to help us? Somehow, somewhere, sometime good people have to get informed and be willing to act for the moral well-being of others. After all, isn't that what The Golden Rule is all about? And of what value is The Golden Rule if people only say it but don't live by it?" MichelleC.

"I learned that people need to change, and to forgive but not to forget". Angela S. Timberline Secondary School, Victoria, BC, Canada

"Don't let the light to burn out!" Kenna A. Timberline Secondary School, Victoria, BC, Canada

"Why would someone want to kill so many people? It doesn't make sense. People are so worried about people not being like them. If everybody was the same, the world would suck. People need to be different that's what makes unique." Jay, Alberni District Secondary School, BC, Canada

"I can only begin to imagine the pain and suffering you must have endured during the war. You must be a very strong willed person to last as long as you have after the war. What was it like to be separated from your family for such a long time without even getting to say good-bye? I remember when I was younger, I got lost at at mall and I was horrified that I would never see my mother again. So I can't even come close to knowing what being separated first from your mother and then from your sister.... These are just a few of the many questions that I have, but I would like to ask one more question - How can you survive all that torture, all that hard labour, all those long hours in a day and still be your own person, the person you always wanted to be?" Matt L.

"Your story was like a slap in the face. It opened my eyes up to all the horrific things that the Jews and others went through. I don't understand how one human being can do the things that ewer done to other humans.... I believe that everyone should have an equal chance in life. I will do anything I can to make sure it does not happen again. I would like to say 'thank you very much' for sharing your story." Ricki C.

"Do you now believe in God? Or did you loose faith in Him then? I am sorry for asking such an awkward question, but I would like to know, since those experiences obviously had such a horrible effect on you.... I hope you continue to talk to people about your Holocaust experiences, so that no one will ever forget about this frightful event in human history." Allison L. Claremont Secondary School, BC, Canada

"I pray that something like this will never happen again." Joanna D, Claremont Secondary School, BC, Canada

"I hope that if we can all work together to improve our tolerance for each other so that no one in the future will have to suffer as you did in the past". Annie R

"Maybe those people who think that the Holocaust didn't happen should go and see the remains of the camps and touch the tears of the descendants of the perished loved ones". Dana W

"You made me realize my life is worthwhile, and every day I count my lucky stars that I am still alive and able to live in such a beautiful city with my family. I believe that anyone who denies the Holocaust should be made to come and hear your story of your experiences in the camps"Thomas B

"I was not aware of how much racism goes on in our country. I think it is great how you speak your mind and let people know what you think of them. You have inspired me to speak out for myself and not put up with racial remarks towards my friends." Jennifer E.

"I now know that one voice can make a huge difference." Tyler R

More Student reflections on the Holocaust
More additions here.