Middle Schoolers Hear Firsthand Testimony from a Holocaust Survivor

Middle Schoolers commemorated the anniversary of Kristallnacht with a powerful assembly, where they had the privilege of hearing firsthand from a survivor of Auschwitz, Ms. Ruth Cohen. She was 14 years old when her family was sent to Aushwitz. Her mother, little brother, and two young cousins were all murdered upon arrival, while Ruth, her older sister, and their father lived through the horrors of the camps until they were finally liberated. In one incredible moment, their father managed to send word that he would be passing by the gates of his camp at a particular time, so that his daughters could position themselves near the gate of their own. It worked, and they were able to see each other across the way and wave: Ruth remembers that he was so happy to see them that he laughed. Ruth had become extremely ill by the time of their liberation; when they were released, she spent an entire year in the hospital, and another six months in a sanatorium. Students were deeply moved by her story and truly grateful that they could meet her.