St Mary’s Welcomes Holocaust Survivor in Partnership with Educational Trust

On Monday 4^th November Sociology students from St Mary’s University College, Twickenham are being given the rare opportunity to meet Holocaust survivor Rudi Oppenheimer, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET). The testimony will be followed by a question and answer session to enrich students’ understanding of the Holocaust and gain a first-hand perspective on its history. The visit is part of the HET’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the UK. Mort Mascarenhas, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at St Mary’s, said, “It is a privilege for us to welcome Rudi Oppenheimer to our University College and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Rudi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.” Karen Pollock MBE, 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. Rudi’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.” This event is taking place from 1-3pm and is free and open to the public. Visit the Holocaust Educational Trust website for more information.