Holocaust Survivor's Child Speaks To Somerset Vo-Tech Students

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Students in Ed Graf’s history classes at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) recently participated in activities to remember and honor victims of the Holocaust.

Their studies focused on preparing for a presentation by Emily Shulman, the child of Holocaust survivors from Poland.

Students engaged in an in-depth study of the Holocaust. They wrote a research essay and prepared questions for Shulman's visit. This preparation aimed to increase their understanding of the events and impacts of the Holocaust.

On the day of the visit, Mike Boll and Zisa Belfer of the New Jersey Veterans Network accompanied Shulman. She shared her parents’ stories and the effects the Holocaust had on them and her family. The presentation lasted two hours.

Shulman highlighted the help her parents received from families who hid them. She also noted help from a German soldier who aided her mother's escape from a dangerous situation.

Her main message was about "watchers" who stand by and "doers" who help those in need. She credited the "doers" her parents encountered with saving them and their lineage. She encouraged students to be "doers" and to stand up for those who need help.

After the talk, students asked their prepared questions. They discussed ways to be forces for good in their communities.

Graf said that the students were very impressed with Shulman. He added that they collectively and dramatically stated they wanted to be "doers" in life, not "watchers."