Holocaust Museum Excursion

On Thursday, June 8th, the Year 9 and 10 History classes visited the Melbourne Holocaust Museum where we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Holocaust survivors and expand on our learning in History this year.

At the museum, we were presented with a range of artefacts, many of which were primary sources from Melbourne Holocaust survivors. Through a discussion of these sources; their meaning and the historical context surrounding them, we were able to see the Holocaust through new perspectives and extend our current knowledge.

We were also extremely fortunate to be able to meet and speak to a Holocaust survivor, Paul Grinwald, and were given the opportunity to hear his story and ask him questions about his experience. Paul allowed us to understand the Holocaust on a new level, providing us with a unique and personal perspective of the event. A particularly interesting story he told us was how a stranger rescued his mother when she was in trouble. He told us that he was able to survive due to the kindness of others and that “there is no such thing as race: we are all one human race and no different from each other.”

After exploring the museum, we were able to visit the Classic Cinema and view the film ‘Simone Veil, A Woman of the Century.’ The film followed a significant female in French history, Simone Veil, who fought for women’s rights and was also a survivor of the Holocaust in Germany. The film showed us visually what life was like for her after the traumatic event and how it had an impact on her future decisions and her ability to be a compassionate leader.

We would like to thank the Year 9 and 10 History teachers, staff members at the Melbourne Holocaust museum, survivors, Paul Grinwald and Professor Gilah Leder, and the Classic Cinema for providing us with this insightful experience and supporting us with our learning.