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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