By: Kathy Larsen Galecki
Where do we go from here? As this incredible week culminates, we carry with us a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its horrific realities. We are now witnesses of the product of a collective hateful mindset, void of mercy and morality. While we carry the weight of these sad memories with us when we travel home, we also return home with memories of hope, renewal and the strength of the human spirit. We will remember the image of Howard dancing in the streets at the festival. We will remember the sound of laughter between the new generation of Polish students in Weirzenbnik-Starachowice and our group as we shared our stories in small group sessions. Howard’s dancing and the laughter we generated with the Polish youth both symbolize our ability to move forward and work towards building a community of open minds and hearts.
This amazing trip has strengthened our resolve to continue to teach our students how to listen to one another and see one another as human beings worthy of respect and dignity. During our last reflection session, Howard said, “We are not born with prejudices. We learn them.” Now, it’s time for us to be agents of change in our schools and communities and encourage others to dissolve prejudices and boundaries that separate us. We will remember how Howard said, “We must not minimize each other.” We accept the responsibility to share his wisdom and help students learn compassion, empathy and kindness towards one another. As Rabbi Beth read to us, we are now ready to be “disciples of the wise” who “increase peace in the world.”