Sunday, December 10, 2017

WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL hears speech from concentration camp survivor



How do you survive a Nazi concentration camp and go on?  Mr. Martin Lowenberg, a Holocaust survivor, told West Middle School eighth-grade students that you survive through hard work, perseverance and time.

Mr Lowenberg spoke to the students about his experiences growing up under Adolf Hitler's rule.
    
At the age of 5, Mr. Lowenberg was beaten in school after being falsely accused of sticking his tongue out at a portrait of Hitler. Later, his family home was burned to the ground. They were then forced out of a second home, all because they were Jewish.

Mr. Lowenberg's family was separated when they were forced to enter cattle cars and taken to concentration camps. Therefore, at the age of 13 Mr. Lowenberg never saw his mother, father or 6-year-old twin brothers again.

After four years of hard labor with little food, Mr. Lowenberg was emaciated, weighing only 76 pounds. In Sweden, he was reunited with his sister, Eva.  Another sister and brother-in-law then sponsored Mr. Lowenberg and his sister to immigrate to New York. 
  
Mr, Lowenberg has made a lasting impression on the students. Bringing to life this terrible time in history will positively influence them.

West Middle School encourages tolerance towards all groups.  Mr. Lowenberg's visit has underscored this positive message. The staff and students hope to carry on his message that, "Hate hurts, love heals.”

Submitted by Sara Bochenek




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