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Posted on November 22nd 2019
Holocaust Survivor Harry Olmer Visits HBAED
As part of the 'Golden Knowledge' students need from our History curriculum, both Year 11 and 6th Form this week had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting Harry Olmer, a Holocaust survivor (pictured with Daquan, Year 11), who gave an incredibly emotional and thought-provoking testimony of his life.
Harry openly talked about the atrocities he had witnessed, the personal suffering he had experienced and his journey in life once he came to the UK after the war.
The students were captivated as he spoke and then had the opportunity to ask questions to him afterwards. This was then followed by a range of workshops on the Holocaust, exploring the causes, events and consequences of the tragedy.
This event was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust and we would like to thank them for giving our boys the opportunity to experience this.
Chris Brett, Vice Principal of Harris Boys’ East Dulwich said: “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. It is an important part of our programme to develop students as Active Citizens locally, nationally and globally
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added: “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.”
