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“I Am Witness”
Holocaust Education Week is an annual event which aims to educate people and re-tell the stories of the Holocaust, in order to prevent a tragedy like this one from ever happening again.
For 2011, Holocaust Education Week is taking place from November 1-9, with many events happening all over York Region and Toronto.
York Catholic students and staff have created, “I Am Witness,” a creative and moving presentation featuring Holocaust survivor Max Eisen in dialogue with students and educators from our board.
Max has not only been an inspiring witness for students, but has been instrumental in the development of Holocaust education in York Catholic schools, including preparing a group of students and educators for their trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
During “I Am Witness,” Max will share his story and challenge participants to be accountable through education.
Max’s life story is one that will inspire listeners to believe humans can triumph over anything. Max Eisen was born in Moldova in 1929. In 1944, his family was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Max, his father and his uncle worked as slave labourers. Max survived a death march to Mauthausen, Melk and Ebensee. He was liberated by the US Army in May 1945. He came to Canada in 1949.
Along with hearing Max’s moving story, students and staff will recount their efforts and experiences through drama, public speaking, poetry, music and personal reflection. The event is being held at the York Catholic Centre for the Arts, adjacent to St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in Thornhill.
“We are honoured to be a part of Holocaust Education Week,” said organizer and York Catholic Superintendent Michael Nasello. “’I am Witness’ is a powerful event that will inspire audiences through staff and students' performances, as well as Holocaust survivor Max Eisen's touching personal story.”
A number of other York Catholic schools are hosting Holocaust Education Week events, many with Holocaust survivors as guest speakers. For a list of events, please visit the board homepage at www.ycdsb.ca.