By Kenra Mroz
During the month of November, child Survivor Tova Clark visited all three of my classes at Sir Robert Borden High School. Tova shared her family’s incredible story of survival with my two Grade Nine English classes and with my Grade Twelve Social Justice class. Vice principal Karl Carey also attended one of the presentations. Tova’s presence, and the personal details that she shared, touched, and inspired all of us in several meaningful ways.
Following Tova’s presentation for each class, during which she included readings from her book, Compartments, we did an “around the room” so that each student could ask a question or contribute a thought regarding something that impacted them from Tova’s story. The students’ questions and comments were mature, insightful, and compassionate. Many were curious to know how Tova’s early childhood experiences, and the memories she has of her parents, Charlotte and Ernst Wolff, and their family journey to escape Nazi-occupied Europe have shaped her as a person.
Several students commented upon the courage demonstrated by Charlotte when she went to the Nazi headquarters in their town and appealed to the commandant for the release of her husband’s business partner. They commented upon the courage demonstrated by Charlotte and Ernst in journeying to a country that was completely foreign to them in order to escape Nazi persecution. They also commented upon the courage that Tova herself demonstrated by sharing the details of her story and being so open and honest in her approach and interactions.
In the days following her presentations, my students wrote thought responses to share with Tova. The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude and included additional details regarding what they found to be especially meaningful. Tova’s message regarding the importance of loving one another and recognizing the humanity in one another resonated deeply with all of us. This experience shall remain with my students and shall continue to inspire positive thoughts and actions.
Tova’s story deeply enriched our study of Holocaust history and legacy and provided my students with concrete connections which helped them to better put into context not only the historical period associated with the Holocaust, but also how and why we continue to learn from Survivor stories and the powerful legacy of the Holocaust
Thank You, Tova!
Kenra Mroz is a member of the CHES Education Committee and is SRB’S Equity and Diversity co-representative and the co-ordinator of its Social Justice Club.
