The Global History and Geography II class went to the Holocaust Museum and Center for Toleration and Education at Rockland Community College on May 23. The students had a presentation by Linda Suss about the origins of the Holocaust and teaching about tolerance. The experience was not only academically enriching, but also was an opportunity to enrich their socio-emotional education. The students were encouraged to use empathy, as they were prompted to describe their feelings toward the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and to imagine how they might feel if they were either the victims or the perpetrators
After a tour, students did an interactive activity to engage with the exhibits. The visit culminated with a presentation by a Holocaust survivor, Alex Levy, a "Hidden Child," who shared his incredible story with the students. This is so important because there are not many survivors left. The students were visibly moved by the experience. Mr. Levy asked that each student tell one person about what happened in the Holocaust so that it is never forgotten. . We ended the day with a lovely lunch at Character's Restaurant where we debriefed our experiences.