21 May 2019, Isleworth –
On Monday 20 May, 180 Year 9 students from Isleworth & Syon School heard testimony from Holocaust survivor, Harry Olmer, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET). The testimony was followed by a question and answer session to enable students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth. The visit is part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the UK.
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said,
“The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor. Harry’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.
“At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”
Headteacher Euan Ferguson added,
“It is a privilege for us to welcome Harry Olmer BEM to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Harry’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives. These events are an important tool to take students’ learning beyond the classroom, and form part of our extensive enrichment offer.”
