Suisun City, CA – One of history’s most significant chapters recently came alive for Crystal Middle School eighth graders.
Eighth grade students spoke via Zoom with a survivor of the Holocaust through the Holocaust Museum of Los Angeles’ Virtual Holocaust Survivor program.
Through the program, students connected virtually with a museum volunteer, who detailed his experiences during the Holocaust on the Kindertransport to Sweden that saved his life.
"This experience truly is a rare experience that will live in the memories of our students for years to come,” said Suzanne Sigler, ELA Co-Teacher
The museum’s Virtual Holocaust Survivor program pairs volunteers with students and other groups.“The subject of the Holocaust is difficult to discuss, but they are here to speak with students because they understand the value of their personal stories and remembering the important lessons of Holocaust history,” the museum’s website explains. “Through listening, sharing, and learning, together we can commit to building a more humane, dignified, and respectful world.”
This experience presented by the Holocaust Museum provided students with a tangible person and experience regarding the Holocaust. Students left the experience with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding of the survivor's experience during the Holocaust.
"Participating in a virtual Holocaust survivor talk is not just an opportunity to learn history; it's a chance to honor the voices of the past, reflect on the resilience of the human spirit, and carry forward the responsibility of ensuring such atrocities are never forgotten or repeated," explained Assistant Principal Samantha Coughran.
This virtual experience was part of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s English Language Curriculum for eighth grade students. The curriculum includes a specific unit dedicated to the Holocaust. During the unit, students read excerpts to learn about the event through a variety of perspectives regarding the systematic killing of millions of Jewish people.
Fairfield-Suisun’s Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment department guides and supports the implementation of standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessments that address student expectations and outcomes that respond to current and emerging cultural, economic, and social issues that affect students and their families across all district schools.