Holocaust Survivor Speaks at Bolingbrook School

Holocaust survivor George Mueller presented a powerful and inspirational story to Humphrey Middle School eighth grade students March 15.

This is his second year speaking to Humphrey students about his experiences, relating what was a depressing, but intriguing tale.

When he was nine, he and his sister were transported out of Germany and into Holland because of the poor treatment of Jews in Germany. In 1939, Germany overran Holland and put in place the same anti-Semitic laws in Holland that they had in Germany. Because of the violent acts committed against them, they had to go into hiding.

Shortly afterward Mr. Mueller and his sister were found and sent to a concentration camp.  Mr. Mueller endured terrible conditions at the camp.  He was extremely malnourished weighing only 76 pounds at age 14 and, at one point, became infected with polio.

He witnessed violent beatings on a daily basis. Despite the hardships, Mr. Muller said he continued to keep a positive state of mind, praying for a better life. 

Overall it was a truly amazing story. The students were not only able to learn about Mr. Mueller's life but also the lives of many Jewish people during that time period. Mr. Mueller also answered questions that students wrote for him.

“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to listen to him,” one student said.

Editor's note: This article was written by Josh Garth, Humphrey eighth-grader.