Schindler spoke to two grade 8 classes at the Linda Vista school that are studying the attempted extermination of the Jewish population by the Nazi regime in Germany from 1933-45.
“It has given me a new perspective on living and my respect has also grown for all survivors," wrote student Jennifer Dao, "as well as other people who have survived similar situations and have the courage to share their experiences. No amount of words can show my gratitude.”
The students are in Lea LaVelle's classes and have been studying the Holocaust this year. The curriculum, "Echoes and Reflections," a multimedia curriculum on the Holocaust by the Anti-Defamation League and the USC hoah Foundation. Jenna Corbin, the assistant regional director of the ADL, arranged for Schindler’s visit to Montgomery.
Schindler grew up in Czechoslovakia and Hungary, and spoke to the students about life for her family and the Jews before the war and once Hungary was occupied by Germany in 1944. She was 14 years-old when she was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp and also shared her experience escaping daily threats on her life.
To the students, Schindler expressed it was her extraordinary strength and hope, along with the support of her two sisters, that led to her survival.
“I am almost taken aback by the vivid detail in which she (Schindler) was able to describe her experience," said student Richard Bonnardel.
For more information, visit the Echos and Reflections website or contact teacher LaVelle at llavelle@sandi.net, or the ADL's Corbin at jcorbin@adl.org.
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