Holocaust Survivor Speaks to Students at Port Jefferson Middle School

Students at Port Jefferson Middle School learned an important lesson on tolerance from Holocaust survivor Werner Reich. A Long Island resident, Reich described his personal experiences as a young boy growing up and surviving the Holocaust. He shared his inspirational story of hardship and fortitude, including his capture in Yugoslavia and transport to an Auschwitz concentration camp.

As an enhancement to the eighth-grade social studies curriculum, Reich discussed the Nazis’ rise to power and the events precipitating World War II. He reminded students that many races and groups of people were targeted during the Holocaust, and unfortunately, many terrible acts were committed before anyone took a stand and intervened. He also explained how differently history could have been written if good people would have taken action earlier, and that, no matter how small, injustices in school, at home or on a global level need to be addressed and handled fairly to protect everyone.

Students received a firsthand perspective through his impactful slideshow, which featured a compilation of photos, political cartoons and newspaper articles written during World War II. As one of a small group of Holocaust survivors today, Reich’s goal is to make a difference in students’ lives and enlighten them on the damaging and long-lasting effects that bullying carries on all levels.