Stewart Jackson, MP for Peterborough, today visited Jack Hunt School to hear testimony from Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The testimony was followed by a question and answer session to enable pupils to better understand the nature of the Holocaust, and to explore its lessons in more depth.
Having visited Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Trust in spring 2010, Jack Hunt School students have been inspired to educate other students and members of their wider community about the Holocaust and its contemporary lessons. This has ranged from running a ‘Pledge Against Prejudice’ campaign to attending a peace vigil in Peterborough to protest against extremism in their community.
Ian Davison, History teacher at Jack Hunt School, said: “It is a privilege for us to welcome back Zigi Shipper to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Zigi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.
“We are grateful to Mr Jackson for his support and to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit.”
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added:
“The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor.
Zigi’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.
“At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”
Stewart Jackson MP commented:
“The innovative approach to teaching and learning at Jack Hunt School has enabled students to hear and reflect on the powerful personal testimony from one who survived the events of the Holocaust. The lessons the students have learned from this will undoubtedly enable them to be better citizens both now and in the future. It was a very moving experience and a privilege to meet Mr Shipper. ”