Holocaust Survivor Tells Story of Survival to Northport Students

Northport High School students had the unique opportunity to hear from a living part of history, Holocaust survivor Werner Reich on Jan. 18. Reich stressed anti-bullying while speaking about the history of the Holocaust and his own personal experience of living through it.

Reich stressed throughout his presentation what happens when we do not take care of each other. He told students that “the good people did nothing,” when describing how the Holocaust came about and made the comparison to individuals today that take part in cyberbullying. Like cyberbullies, Nazi’s were bullies who enjoyed power.

Through powerful images from the Holocaust, Reich described to students the life and death obstacles that he had to endure as a teenager during the time. Reich survived four concentration camps and was separated from his family and friends. He spoke about the brutal treatment of those who were labeled as different and gave students the statistics of those that were murdered for their religion, background, actions or group.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Reich reflected on what power still does today in the world and showed images of young adults who ended their lives due to bullying.

“Don’t be one of the good people who does nothing,” said Reich. “Help someone without being asked and ask yourself what is the right thing to do.”

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of the Northport-East Northport School District :

1) Holocaust survivor Werner Reich spoke to Northport High School students about bullying and the history of the Holocaust.

2) Northport High School students with special guest Werner Reich, a Holocaust survivor that visited the school to share his personal story and promote anti-bullying.