Our Journey: Harley & Romy's Kindertransport Project
Introduction
Hi! We're Harley Moritz and Romy Fruman, two upcoming 9th-grade students at George W. Hewlett High School. This project began as our entry for the history fair, but it quickly grew into something much more meaningful to us.
Our Inspiration
Hearing the personal accounts of Manford Korman, Alan and Elaine Peizer, and Susan Rosenstock for our documentary profoundly impacted us. Their willingness to share their experiences brought the history of the Kindertransport to life in a way that textbooks couldn't. We were struck by the resilience of the children and the incredible acts of kindness that made their rescue possible.
Why the Kindertransport? We learned that the Kindertransport, while a vital part of Holocaust history, isn't as widely known as other events. It's also a unique story within that period – a beacon of hope amidst unimaginable darkness. The fact that it saved not just the children, but potentially four generations of their descendants, highlights its lasting impact.
Our Clothespin Project
As we delved deeper into the history of the Kindertransport, we wanted to find a way to make this important story more accessible and engaging. That's why we embarked on a creative project using decorated clothespins arranged in a train track. Each clothespin represents a life saved by the Kindertransport and the track on the train that led them to safety. We were inspired by the movie Paper Clips and how something so simple could become so meaningful to so many. We believe that hands-on activities can foster a deeper understanding and empathy for historical events.
Curriculum Development
Furthermore, inspired by our learning journey and in collaboration with Donna Rosenblum, the Director of Education for the The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, we are developing curriculum materials that are designed for 5th and 6th-grade students. Our goal is to introduce age-appropriate lessons about the Holocaust, starting with the hopeful story of the Kindertransport, to ensure that younger generations begin to learn about this critical period in history. We aim to have these materials ready for the 2025-2026 school year.
Our Goal
Through this website, our documentary, our clothespin project, and our curriculum, we aim to share these powerful stories, raise awareness about the Kindertransport, and emphasize the importance of learning from history to combat prejudice and hate today.