I am obsessed with WWII and the Holocaust. I have been ever since someone put Anne Frank's book in my hands when I was younger (I think 5th grade?). I also read it in the 8th grade for school. Anne Frank was an amazing girl and I was fascinated by her story. Reading it at such a young age, I still remember the line that had the biggest impact on me "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." I told myself then that regardless of what happens in my life, I hope that I can always see the good in people. If she can, I can! Right? While this has gotten me in trouble (not everyone has good intentions all the time), the fact that someone so young going through one of the worst periods in our history, can still say that- I am just in awe.
When I student taught in college, I was lucky enough to be able to teach my 6th graders about this time period! I was exposed to all kind of books that I never even knew existed. I think I read about 7 or 8 different books. Probably my favorite book was one written by Miep Gies- Anne Frank Remembered. It was her view point of everything that happened. Wow. What another courageous woman! When I was younger, my mom brought me a news article that stated I could write her because she knew how interested I was in the time period and how much I loved Anne Frank. I regret now that I didnt. Shame on that younger Anna that wanted go outside and play instead.
Anyway, through all of my years of reading and re-reading these books and learning about this time period, I have yet to visit any concentration camps or even meet a Holocaust Survivor. Even when I went to Germany after High School graduation, we didnt go. Both my brother and sister went. My brother even went to the building the Frank family was hidden in! I would DIE if I could go there! It's on my bucket list for sure. While he was there, he bought me two books from there, now a museum. Sweet brother of mine :D I devoured those too.
And to the point of my post! A few weeks ago one of the faculty members I work with said that a Holocaust survivor contacted her and wanted to host a program. He had just finished writing a book and wanted to share his story with some college students. This past weekend, we had the program and I got to meet him!!!!! Words cannot even begin to describe how I felt. I was so excited, but at the same time I just wanted to hug him and cry (I didnt, dont worry). How very neat was it that I got to sit in the same room, shake his hand, and listen to his story. A part of history- the part of history I am most passionate about- in my presence! Telling me about what he went through! Just amazing.
His name is Leon Schagrin and he was 14 when the Holocaust started and hit his town and is now 90. He cant read or write anymore because of a neurological condition he has from the war that has gotten worse over time. He also had the number tattoo, but he said after the war he felt the numbers imprisoned him, so he had a panther tattooed over the numbers- in the same color as the numbers so they were never to be seen again.
He was a horse adjutant and that "profession" saved his life (14 year olds dont have professions, but he thought it may work and it did!). I wont share his entire story, because that would be me rewriting his book for you all, but I will share a few things I learned! Apparently, when a boy and horse are young and they bond, the horse cannot be without the boy. Or else he misbehaves. This is what saved his life. The horse one of the Generals on the Nazis side wanted was his horse. So Leon had to chauffeur the General around. Eventually, he too went to a camp- many camps. His last stop was Auswitch. When he was in line to check in, the Nazis were asking what profession each of the people had. If you didnt have one, you were out of luck. When it was his turn, he told the Nazis that he was a horse adjutant. They laughed at him. Then they had him explain what that meant and told him to go to the left. Everyone else was going to the right, so he headed that way anyway, but a solider grabbed him and made him go to the right. All the people that went to the right were gassed, he later found out. Words just cannot express how I felt when he shared that.
I just feel so honored that I got to be in the presence of one of the few survivors left AND I got to hear his story. I have his book and am in the process of reading it. His mission ever since he watched his entire family die was to share his story (at his fathers request). He wants as many people as possible to hear the story, in hopes nothing like this ever happens again. What an incredible man. So this is me, sharing my passion for the time period AND helping him get his story out. If you want to borrow his book, just let me know!
Mr. Schagrin and me!
My sister teaches a Holocaust elective at her school! She started it and is very passionate as well! She takes her students on a field trip to DC to visit the museum. I think she and you could have a fun conversation :). Thanks for sharing your passion. Miss you!
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