Grade 6 and 7 students in Toronto had a unique opportunity to engage with author Kathy Kacer and explore artifacts related to the Holocaust on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event, held at the Toronto District School Board’s headquarters, allowed students to delve into Kacer’s book “To Hope and Back,” which delves into the journey of Jewish refugees aboard the St. Louis in 1939, fleeing Nazi Germany.
During the event, Kathy Kacer shared her inspiration for writing the book, emphasizing the significance of the St. Louis story in her literary journey. The narrative of the book focuses on two children, Lisa and Sol, who were passengers on the ship, drawing from historical research and interviews with survivors.
Family members of Lisa Avedon, one of the individuals depicted in the book, were present at the event to share personal stories and showcase mementoes from the voyage, including photos, a cherished children’s book, a chair, and a trunk. Students enthusiastically engaged with the guests, posing questions about various aspects of the journey and the passengers’ experiences.
Marilyn Sinclair, from Liberation 75, highlighted the importance of providing students with opportunities to inquire and discuss challenging topics such as the Holocaust, particularly in an era where social media plays a significant role in shaping their understanding. The push for compulsory Holocaust education in school curricula across Canada underscores the need to start educating students about such historical events from an early age.
At the Toronto Holocaust Museum, young visitors are exposed to age-appropriate stories of Holocaust survivors, emphasizing themes of resilience, empathy, and responsible citizenship. By connecting with tangible artifacts and firsthand accounts, students can develop a deeper appreciation for historical events and draw parallels to contemporary issues such as discrimination and misinformation online.
The event left a profound impact on students, fostering a sense of empathy and a call for equality and understanding. As Elia Kim aptly summarized, the experience reinforced the importance of treating everyone with respect and combating racism in all its forms, signalling a continued need for education and awareness in modern society.
