January 30, 1939 was a day that many people, such as survivor, Andy Sarkany will never forget. On this day, a number of innocent Jews were targeted, put into concentration camps and left to suffer miserably.
The Holocaust course at Woodland provides students with an in depth learning experience of the genocide of six million Jews and the who, what, where, when, and why of this gut wrenching incident. Holocaust teacher, Patricia Corey was able to bring a survivor to Woodland by contacting JCC of New Haven, for her current Holocaust class to learn more. Rather than sitting in the classroom and reading about it from their books, they were able to hear a survivor talk about the hardships they encountered. Andy Sarkany, from Hungary at the time of the Holocaust, was able share his personal experience through his time in the Holocaust, the budapest ghetto, and the brutality of soviet communism.
Seniors Lindsey Gabianelli and McKenna Cronin were two of the many students who greatly enjoyed the survivors visit. They were able to learn many things that they did not know before. Gabianelli recalls Sarkany telling how a Russian diplomat created and signed fake birth certificates and passports to give to Jews, so they would have an easier time fleeing and creating a new life for themselves. The same diplomat who gave the certificates out, was then invited to a German Government gathering and then disappeared.
Cronin found it very moving to hear this story from someone who actually lived the experience and to be able to put a face to the curriculum was extremely beneficial.
“The most amazing part is he didn’t really let the incident affect his life. He moved on. He went to America to get an education and told us that would be the best thing he has,” said Cronin. “He has done triathlons for 3 straight years cutting his time each year. He’s in his 80’s and is in better physical shape than most of the students at Woodland.”
This class is highly recommended by both Gabianelli, Cronin and other students. Throughout the class, students watch videos and read documents learning about everything that led up to the Holocaust.
“We learn more about the Holocaust, World War 2 and different aspects that your history class did not cover,” Gabianelli said.
Andy Sarkany will be visiting Woodland for next semester’s Holocaust course. This experience is a once in a lifetime for students; if you have not taken the course or are a history buff interested in this event, this class is for you.
