Looking Back, Moving Forward

Brentwood, N.Y. (March 2019)—Brentwood Union Free School District’s Freshman Center recently welcomed special guests Ruth Mermelstein, 89-year old Holocaust survivor, and Helen Turner, Director of Youth Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) of Nassau County to educate students on the historical tragedy and advocate respect for every human being.

“As teachers, it’s vital that we continue to educate our students on the unthinkable tragedies in history to guide them for their futures and take steps to prevent these horrific events from happening again,” said Mr. Richard Loeschner, Superintendent of Brentwood Union Free School District. “Ruth’s inspiring story of perseverance and courage provided our students with a first-hand perspective of the implications of intolerance and insight on how it can be avoided.”

Leading up to Ruth’s visit, Brentwood’s English classes in the Freshman Center worked on projects to learn more about the historical and tragic moment in history, an alarming reminder of the repercussions of intolerance and the dangers of silence and apathy. Through a PowerPoint presentation Ruth guided Brentwood’ students along the route her family took to escape the Nazi invasion. She recalled several hardships that she and her family encountered and the moment she, along with her older sister Elisabeth, were taken away from their family’s home and incarcerated in multiple concentration camps. Ruth also discussed a silver lining when she was presented with the opportunity to move to America in hopes of a better future. Brentwood’s students were in disbelief as they listened to Ruth’s audacious and moving story.

“I am happy to be alive,” Ruth said. The emotions were evident in her eyes and voice as Ruth recalled her experience and reminisced about her family.

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County aims to educate the community on the history of the Holocaust and its lessons—the dangers of antisemitism, racism, bullying and all other manifestations of intolerance. The organization offers several programs and workshops that provide an overview of the Holocaust, emphasize the importance of diversity and suggests initiatives to foster it within communities.

For more information about the Brentwood Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.brentwood.k12.ny.us. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrentwoodUnionFreeSchoolDistrict.