GHS Middle School Students Hear Holocaust Survivor Speak

On the chilly evening of Tuesday, November 16th, about 3 dozen GHS students and parents stuffed into the Rolling Hills Middle School Auditorium along with throngs of other students and community members for a very special event... to witness a first-hand account of the Holocaust from a true survivor.

As the speaker shared her story, the audience hung on every word.  The poised and well-spoken Mrs. Marion Blumenthal Lazan shared her horrific experience, providing details that you cannot often find in history textbooks or WWII films.  Details such as not having access to a toothbrush, toilet paper or soap for over two years made her experience more tangible to her audience.  Mrs. Lazan spent several years in Bergen-Belsen, a Nazi concentration camp, and endured more atrocities than any young child should ever have to.

Remarkably, her message was positive as is her outlook on life.  Mrs. Lazan emphasized the wonderful aspects of her life now--her husband of 58 years, her 3 children and her 9 grandchildren--blessings she focuses on instead of the horrors of her past.  She called the students of today to action.  Her only request of the students who came to hear her speak was that they always act with compassion toward others, and that they share her story so that those who died in the Holocaust will never be forgotten.  She reminded us of the basic idea of humanity and the importance of always treating others with civility and respect.  The evening was truly emotional and her speech was nothing short of historic.  I know it is an experience I will never forget.  Thank you to those students who attended this very special event, but most of all, thank you to Mrs. Lazan for sharing her incredible story with us.