As part of our Stage 5 History studies of the Holocaust, Year 10 students engaged in a site study at the Sydney Jewish Museum. To begin, Peter, an Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust was welcomed to share his story.
Peter spoke of his life as a four-year-old and the events that took place, shaping his life forever. He and his mother were lucky enough to not be found after several raids while hiding in an underground bunker. Although the survival was fortunate, the journey involved numerous complications from the pregnancy of Peter’s mother lacking medical assistance, to witnessing a deceased horse upon leaving the confined room after over a year, an image that remains in his memory to this day. The eye opening recount provided a true outlook on the Holocaust that unexpectedly differed from many ways in which it has been portrayed in the past.
An informative seminar took place and gave an insight into the history behind the tragedies that occurred post WWI. Students were given the opportunity to analyse sources and discuss their observations, opening them to new concepts and ideas. Tours of the museum were conducted to conclude the experience. Students walked in groups with a guide each to observe artefacts and discover more stories and views.
Overall, the experience was not only about learning, but about understanding. Understanding the perspectives of many who had witnessed the unimaginable devastation of losing a loved one, or horrors of persecution that surrounded them. With great respect for the members of the museum and the significance of the structure itself, students were able to compare lifestyles and analyse historical transformations for themselves. A piece of advice Peter offered as his overarching life lesson which resonated with me was to appreciate and acknowledge your home and our great country.
Roma Lal
Year 10