Learning From Auschwitz

April 1st 2014: Sometimes there are moments of synchronicity when things come together with great outcomes. So it was that, fresh from attending a workshop at Norwich Cathedral focused on Norwich's historic association with the first known accusation of ritual child murder in European history (the case of William of Norwich), I was contacted by a sixteen year old sixth form student from Hewett School, asking if she could talk to the History Club members about her experience of visiting Auschwitz. 

I met up with Chloe prior to the talk and was immediately impressed by her maturity, eloquence, insight and sense of social justice, fueled by her recent visit as part of the Learning From Auschwitz (LFA) programme to the camp site. My first impression was entirely justified by the quality of the presentation she shared with our members the following day. 

Having been actively involved with projects such as the Anne Frank exhibition myself in the past, I knew the main facts about the camp. But listening to Chloe's first hand account of her visit, the poignancy of the tragedy really hit me. I found myself moved by her account of meeting Susan, an elderly camp survivor, who, as a thirteen year old, had entered the camp and had around fifty family members murdered by the Nazi criminals. Listening, I was struck by the thought that Chloe, so impressive at sixteen years of age, was actually three years older than Susan. It is so important that we all engage with this tragedy and learn from it, so that we treat each other with tolerance and respect. 

At the end of the talk, Chloe answered questions from members and also asked us some challenging questions. For instance, we were challenged by her to reflect on how we, as imaginary citizens of interwar Germany, would have acted in response to the rise of Nazism. Of course, we all like to think that we would have opposed the regime and made a stand - but, in the actuality, would we? Hand on heart, no-one can answer this with any certainty of course. However, what we can do is to take the time to learn about these tragic events and to connect empathically and challenge the prejudice and stereotypes that continue to portray whole groups of people as 'outsiders'/'aliens'/'other'. 

I really admire Chloe and the excellent work of the LFA programme. The Norwich Community History Club are committed to, "be(ing) actively inclusive - open, accessible and welcoming to all", and having Chloe share her experiences with us entirely satisfies this commitment to diversity and tolerance. 

~ Colin Howey ~