Holocaust Survival

Posted at 1:51 pm on 20th November, 2018

Flixton Girls School year 11 students visited Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire as part of their GCSE studies, which specifically focuses on German history between 1918 and 1939.

The students met 83 year old Steven Frank, a Holocaust survivor. Steven was born in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and his father joined the Dutch Resistance. One morning in 1943 his father said goodbye before leaving for his office, Steven never saw him again. Steven was taken with his remaining family to Barneveld, before being taken to Westerbork Transit Camp, and then to Theresienstadt in Czechoslavakia. Steven was liberated in May 1945, with his Mother and brothers, who had also survived the camp. He was one of 93 children who survived their time at the camp from a total of 15000 people.

The whole trip was a moving but inspirational experience for everyone. Year 11’s said it helped them understand the meaning and importance of tolerance. They said ‘Steven was a very powerful speaker, selflessly telling his story in an engaging and inspiring way.’ ‘We were sad but uplifted by his memories from start to finish.’

Mr Garcha who escorted the students on the trip explained; ‘It is very important to give students the unique opportunity to hear directly from people who have witnessed such events. Our girls gained an insight into the experiences of a Holocaust survivor but also what life was like for them.’

Students were able to spend time in the centres garden of remembrance and the museum. They also participated in a discussion about where the blame for the Holocaust should lie.

This moving yet uplifting trip was followed up with our own Remembrance service held on Friday 11^th November; to mark Remembrance weekend. Students completed form time activities, participated in a whole school assemblies and a minute’s silence.

Mrs Trussell, Head of School tweeted: ‘One of my favourite events in the @FlixtonGS calendar; the level of respect and empathy shown was really moving, as was the pin drop silence when 1,000+ of us gathered to pause. The choir performance was stunning, as were the readings and recitals. Super proud!’

Students and staff created our own sea of poppies, made from recycled plastic bottles to form the centre of our remembrance garden celebration.

Erin Jones - Head Girl,  Anna Ball year 11 and Miss Johnston – Head of Rosa Park House and Histoy Teacher; represent @FGS6thForm @FlixtonGS @aircadets on Remembrance Sunday, placing our wreath at the Urmston Cenotaph.