Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington & Sunderland West, visited St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, Tyne and Wear, to hear testimony from Holocaust Survivor, Zigi Shipper, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The testimony was followed by a question and answer session to enable pupils to better understand the nature of the Holocaust, and to explore its lessons in more depth.

Sharon Hodgson MP commented:

“'I was struck by how selfless it is of Zigi an 80 year old man who goes right around the country giving these talks in order that our schoolchildren can learn the lessons from Auschwitz and have probably the only chance they'll ever get to hear this lesson from a Holocaust survivor - one of a decreasing number who are still alive and able to give this personal testimony. That was why I made sure I was there to hear it firsthand. It was so powerful and something, along with my visit to Auschwitz last year, that I will never forget.The lessons the students have learned from this will undoubtedly enable them to be better citizens both now and in the future.”

Kirsty Dunn, Head of History at St Robert of Newminster School, said:

“It is a privilege for us to welcome Zigi Shipper to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder for our students of the horrors so many experienced. We hope that by hearing Zigi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

“We are grateful to Sharon Hodgson MP for her support and to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit.”

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added:

“The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a Survivor. Zigi’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.

At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”

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