Holocaust Survivor Inspires Hoboken Students

On Monday, Hoboken Charter Upper School juniors received a visit from Holocaust survivor Devorah Hilsenrath, who survived the Death March and was liberated from Auschwitz.

Hilsenrath spoke about her experiences growing up in Hungary before the Nazis invaded, remaining alive through the “selection,” being liberated from Auschwitz, and surviving the “Death March.”

When students asked how she survived, she responded, “The hope of being reunited with my family again gave me strength.” After the war she found out she was the only member of her family to survive.

After Hilsenrath finished speaking, students had the chance to ask questions about her life, experiences and her ability to go on. Shortly before departing, she lifted her sleeve to show the students her the number the Nazis had tattooed on her arm, inspiring them with her message of being strong and courageous, and always looking at the good life.

This historic opportunity was part of the school’s collaborative History and Art Unit.

Photo courtesy of Mira Septimus, Art Teacher/Service Learning Coordinator, Hoboken Charter Upper School

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