Learning lessons from darkest days of history

Invited guests, councillors and pupils gathered at Douglas Academy for a special event on Friday, January 29, in remembrance of victims of genocide atrocities around the world.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2016 - Don’t stand by - asked everyone to consider their personal responsibility and not to be a bystander to persecution and genocide.

Pupils at Turnbull High School, in Bishopbriggs, heard from Holocaust survivor Rudi Oppenheimer at a special assembly.

During the live broadcast Rudi, whose parents both died in Bergen-Belsen, told the pupils about his and his family’s persecution at the hands of the Nazis.

The school had displays on its information screens and marked the day with the celebration of Holy Mass remembering victims of hatred and intolerance.

And at Craigdhu Primary, in Milngavie, primary seven pupils read and discussed examples of past and current cases of genocide as they learned about the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Councillor Maureen Henry, convener of education, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust as well as other genocides, and provides an opportunity to learn lessons and apply them to the present day to create a safer, better future.

“It was inspiring to see the effort and commitment pupils and their teachers put in to develop their awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and subsequent acts of genocide atrocities.”