Holocaust survivors speak to sixth grade students

by Mallory Roach

On April 3, sixth grade students at Clay had some very special visitors, Holocaust survivors Ed and Esther Davidson.

The Davidsons are the grandparents of fellow Clay eighth grader Mitch Korolev.

The Davidson’s spoke for about one hour and twenty minutes. During that time, the students learned, "That many people were affected by (the Holocaust) and they were treated in a way that people should not be treated," Madeline Husser, sixth grade, said.

Prior to the presentation the sixth grade students at Clay learned about World War II and read a book called “I am David.”

Mr. Karl  Knerr, sixth grade humanities instructor, said, “ It’s about a young boy who lived his early life in a concentration camp in eastern Europe shortly after the war. The story is about his escape to freedom and reuniting with his mother.” 

This story helped the students get background information about the Holocaust.

The students learned from the presentation.  Knerr said, “ It was a really great presentation. All the students were really enthralled.”  

Knerr received the honor of inviting the Davidsons to Clay.  He said,  “I had the opportunity to actually talk to them and invite them to our school.” 

Korolev said he feels very lucky because his grandparents are still alive today. He also said it is important to remember events like the Holocaust because history will repeat itself if people don’t learn from the past. 

Mark Zaki, sixth grade student, said, “(The Holocaust) was a very important event, and it changed so many people’s lives.” 

Knerr also said that the students were great listeners during the presentation. 

When Korolev’s grandparents were invited to Clay he said, “I felt pretty happy because that means other people can hear their story.”