“It’s Never Okay! Addressing Symbols Linked to Hatred and Discrimination”, a webinar for Grades 7 to 9, was presented by Kenra Mroz on April 18th in honour of Yom HaShoah, Liberation 75’s student event, “The Holocaust and Antisemitism Through the Eyes of a Child”. Kenra, an Ottawa educator and a member of the CHES Education Committee, led students through an examination of the Nazi symbols of the swastika and the misappropriation of the Star of David, used often by students in antisemitic posts. Over 2,000 attendees from across Ontario, including educators and students, participated in this interactive webinar. A recording of the webinar is available on the CHES website along with other exceptional lesson plans.
Social Justice at Sir Robert Borden High School
On Wednesday, May 10th, Artur Wilczynski delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation to a Social Justice class of 25 students. All the comments were overwhelmingly positive. Several students used the word “inspiring” regarding Artur’s message of allyship and care towards all.
Writers Craft at Sir Robert Borden High School
On Friday, May 12th, 20 students in Sir Robert Borden Writer’s Craft class listened as Stan Farber delivered a compelling and thought-provoking presentation of his father’s story of survival. Several students were brought to tears by Stan’s story. Individual students told Stan that they admired his father’s resilience and ability to push forward, to find new life and new hope when so much had been lost.
Outreach to Students and Educators
In preparation for the implementation of the new Grade 6 Holocaust curriculum, the first workshop for Grade 6 educators, in collaboration with Yoni Berrous of Yad Vashem International School in Jerusalem and Marc-Oliver Cloutier of the Azrieli Foundation, was offered at Sir Robert Borden High School on May 16th. Twenty-five educators and the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) administrators participated in an after-school educational presentation. The program introduced new resources and offered methods for presenting the Holocaust to younger students. A special thanks to Sanja Vujinovic, Vice Principal, Agincourt Road Public School for helping to organize the workshop.
