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This past Tuesday, HPHS honored Genocide Commemoration Day. I am extremely proud of our students who engaged thoughtfully and maturely. I am grateful to our team - Genocide Commemoration Student Board (listed below), Ms. Lindsey Meyer and Mr. Joseph Brysiewicz - for coordinating this day and bringing Dr. Danny M. Cohen, Professor at Northwestern University and Dr. Benjamin Garber, Holocaust survivor, to our learning community.
Adina Bard Jake Grossmann Mika Raviv
Jarrod Cohen Ethan Horwich Lexi Rosenthal
Jake Goldstein Joshua Horwich Talia Shapiro
Jack Gordon Asher Mott Max Sukenik
Lucy Wallman
Dr Danny M. Cohen came to talk to us about the importance of identifying, without judgment, the many emotions that surface as we hear, see, and discuss past and current atrocities that are occurring locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Cohen also underscores the importance of processing our emotions for the purpose of allowing us to engage in conversations about what is occurring around us, even if it is uncomfortable. Continuing to process and engage, even when we may have differences of opinion, allows us to connect over our shared humanity. Students were brave to point out that, as history unfolds, genocide and mass violence continues to occur and Dr. Cohen explained that the more we are humanizing each other, studying the past, and being together in community we can disrupt these atrocities and may have prevented more than we will ever know.
Dr. Garber shared his personal experiences, making history come alive for our students. He generously told the story of his life and the fortitude that allowed for his survival. His words, along with the pictures he presented, vividly painted a picture of the unbelievable circumstances he endured. We all left the auditorium in awe of this remarkable man and the strength he has demonstrated throughout his life.
The day’s events allowed for us to reflect and process as Giants in our House on Vine
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