Holocaust Survivor Shares Story With Students To Stop Bullying

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — "'Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it."

Students at Southampton High School and Intermediate Schools were able to apply that famous quote to their own lives recently as they got a firsthand glimpse of the horrors of the Holocaust as they listened to survivor Irving Roth share his dark experiences.

The students heard Roth speak at an assembly on April 11, listening intently to him describe his happy early childhood in Czechoslovakia that was forever changed when, at the age of 14, he was sent to Auschwitz and then on a “death march” to Buchenwald. He also spoke of his liberation on April 11, 1945 — exactly 74 years prior — when the U.S. Army entered Buchenwald and saved him, district official said.

Before hearing his story, students learned about the Holocaust in their social studies and English language arts classes. Eighth and ninth grade students read and studied the book, “Night” by Elie Wiesel, who was in the same concentration camp as Roth. Teacher Saundra Dubin, who visited Poland and took part in the International March of the Living program with Roth, also discussed the experience with students.

“The student body was fully engaged in this presentation. They learned of Mr. Roth’s story of survival, resilience and advocacy,” said Principal Dr. Brian Zahn. “Students also learned the importance of standing up to bullying, bias and hate and the importance of carrying on Mr. Roth’s story.”