AROUND CAMPUS
Presentation on Holocaust as part of Seventh-Grade Religion Program
In November , Diana Tapper visited Saint David ’ s to speak to seventh graders about her grandparents ’ experiences as survivors of the Holocaust , a topic that has been a long-standing unit of the Grade Seven religion fall curriculum . Ms . Tapper ’ s grandmother grew up in Poland and , as a young girl , had to take on the identity of a gentile friend of hers who passed away in order to escape the country when Jews were being persecuted . Before she left , she was given a gold chain by her father so that she could sell off the gold when in need of money . Ms . Tapper showed the chain , missing the several links that her grandmother had to sell , to the boys . She noted that she wears it often when she reflects upon her grandmother ’ s experience .
Ms . Tapper ’ s grandfather survived eight Nazi camps , including Auschwitz and Buchenwald . He did so through a combination of intelligence , creativity , courage , hard work , adding value , discipline , mental and physical strength , friendship , luck , kindness and help from others . It was through this last — help from others — that he met his wife , Ms . Tapper ’ s grandmother , who aided him after his escape into the woods during a final “ Death March ” from Buchenwald .
Ms . Tapper ’ s grandfather recorded his experiences for Steven Spielberg ’ s oral history project ; providing more than four hours of testimony in order to offer evidence and protect future generations . The talk was a poignant way for the boys to make a more personal connection to the history about the Holocaust , which they learn about in religion class , where they are introduced to the topic in an age-appropriate way .
At the close of the session with Ms . Tapper , one boy referenced Socrates ’ quote : “ There is only one good , knowledge ; and one evil , ignorance .” He noted that knowing the history of difficult topics like the Holocaust may prevent reoccurrence and provides important lessons about the imperative that everyone , “ speak up for all people who are persecuted .” The school thanks Mrs . Poulos , mother of a seventh grader and friend of Ms . Tapper , for bringing this important presentation to the boys .
48 • Saint David ’ s Magazine