Students, public invited to ‘Remember the Holocaust'
A Holocaust survivor will once again visit Porterville schools to offer students an opportunity to hear first-hand from a Holocaust survivor. In addition, one evening session will be open to the public.
Elane Norich Geller, who was born in a Polish town, was 4 years old when the Nazis invaded her home town. Imprisoned for almost five years, she survived life in a Nazi concentration camp.
On Wednesday and Thursday, she will share her story with students from Granite Hills High School, Harmony Magnet Academy and Strathmore High School.
A free public session will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Granite Hills High School, 1701 E. Putnam Ave.
Geller’s personal story is said to be an inspiration, as well as a solemn cautionary tale about what happens when groups of people are dehumanized and acknowledged stereotypically rather than as individuals, promoters said.
The state of California requires students to engage in “thinking about why one of the world’s most civilized nations participated in the murder of millions of innocent people mainly because of their religious identity”
To help students understand the Holocaust, Geller shares a message of human dignity, compassion, and remembrance for those who gave their lives during World War II.
“You would do well to ask yourself why a sane person would relive this story about such great pain,” she tells audiences of students. “It’s about prevention of racism and bigotry and anti-Semitism.”
Geller also makes her message relevant by connecting it to modern dilemmas — gang violence, and ethnic, cultural, and international conflicts.
The program is sponsored each year by Tulare County Office of Education.
“The opportunity to hear the story of a Holocaust survivor — first-hand — is a rare one,” said Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. “I appreciate Ms. Geller coming to Tulare County year after year to share her experiences with our students.”
For more information on “Remembering the Holocaust,” call Joy Soares at 651-0501.
