Written by Lynda Fisher, Head of Primary School

Gathered around a Magen David, our Year 6 students began their tour of the Sydney Jewish Museum, a place steeped in memories of tragedy and cruelty. The light streaming down from above mirrored the hope reflected in their eyes. These future leaders, filled with promise, sought to understand the present by reflecting on the past, positioning themselves and their community for a sustainable future where Jewish people live safely and productively worldwide.

The annual visit to the Sydney Jewish Museum marked a significant step in our students’ deep exploration of their Jewish heritage. Guided by insightful narratives, they navigated through the museum, their moods growing serious and their questions multiplying. They learned about the myths and propaganda that led to the extermination of six million Jews and felt the weight of history as they stood in the Children’s Memorial, reflecting on the pain endured by children like themselves.

Personal stories from survivors like Roland, who lost most of his family members, brought history to life. Roland’s harrowing journey—disguising himself as a girl to survive and eventually finding refuge in Australia through an organisation called Joint—deeply resonated with the students. They learned about his struggles; how, as a teenager, he was separated from his mother for two years upon arriving in Australia. It’s unsurprising that he experienced a phase of being oppositional, rude, and angry, making him unpopular with his classmates.

The students were spellbound as they learned how Roland leveraged his past experiences to navigate present challenges, ultimately reinventing himself to gain acceptance and popularity. He used his talents in magic and hypnosis to forge social and emotional connections with his peers, leading to a happier phase of life. Thanks to his remarkable resilience, Roland was eventually able to build a new life; he married his beloved wife, fathered three children, and was blessed with grandchildren. Roland’s story, along with that of another survivor, underscored the importance of hope, persistence, and kindness. Our students deeply benefited from the invaluable perspectives shared by these extraordinary individuals.

The students were also reminded of the ongoing challenges Jewish people face. The survivors’ despair over continuing persecution, even after the Holocaust, resonated deeply. The recent events of October 7 brought a new urgency to their understanding of history and its patterns. They realised the importance of being informed and strategic in responding to current threats, valuing the role of Israel as a Jewish state and the significance of Jewish security and advocacy groups.

The survivors who shared their stories with our students never had a childhood or the opportunity to attend school, let alone a Jewish Day School, and build friendships. For them, the routines of a normal daily life were a treat and a privilege, not a trigger for anxiety and sadness.

Our students left the Sydney Jewish Museum with a sobering realisation: the future is not guaranteed to be free from the persecution and threats of the past. Now, more than ever, they need to understand historical trends and how myths and propaganda, now amplified by social media, can endanger not only the Jewish population but others as well. They grasped the importance of staying aware of their virtual and physical surroundings, responding strategically to threats and challenges by seeking expert advice, and collaborating to find solutions. They had a newfound appreciation for the crucial role that Project Heritage play’s in shaping their own future attitudes and dispositions by learning from past experiences.

Inspired by survivors like Roland, our students were encouraged to smile, embrace positivity, and strive to make the world a better place for Jews and the broader population. This resolve was symbolised by our dance troupes’ participation in a performance at the Sydney Opera House, where they proudly wore ‘Bring them Home’ yellow ribbons in their hair, representing their commitment to bringing back hostages and ensuring a secure future for Jews worldwide.

This incredible experience at the Sydney Jewish Museum taught our students the importance of understanding history to navigate the present and shape the future. They learned the value of resilience, hope, and the need for strategic thinking in the face of adversity. For others seeking to reach such a milestone, the key takeaway is to immerse oneself in history, seek the wisdom of those who have lived through it, and use that knowledge to build a better future.

As the students continue their education at their Jewish Day School, they are empowered to stay safe, uphold Jewish values, and apply the lessons learned from the past. They are clearer than ever about the importance of their heritage and the need to contribute positively to their community and the world. Embracing the message of Am Yisrael Chai, they are determined to keep their people safe and ensure a hopeful, secure future.