Each year, Holocaust survivor Alan Caine has made a point of visiting Shipley 7^th graders at the culmination of their inter-disciplinary Holocaust Unit. Caine shares with the students recollections of his youth in war torn Europe. His compelling story of survival in five concentration camps during World War II is frightening, but his message on the will of the spirit to survive is inspiring. For fifty minutes the students sit riveted to his tales of horror on the treatment of Jews, homosexuals, gypsies, or anyone that the Nazis deemed unacceptable. It is hard to believe that this diminutive gentleman was able to survive, but despite losing his home, country, and family, he fought to live. The unit also includes a trip to the Holocaust Museum, but it is Caine’s personal account that touches the students in a very personal way, as is evident in their follow-up thank you letters. The following are some highlights from the letters.

“One of the stories that touched me was the one where you were walking into town [after the liberation] to get some help when you saw African-American men standing around a bonfire. You started another fire for yourself and others…standing around that fire were different races and religions. There were two completely different looking people standing side by side, sharing the same experiences and memories full of horror and despair, and now hope…. I have learned that things won’t always be easy, but that a smile can be a “burning candle” that shields you and others against tragedy and hopelessness.”   Gabby Miller

When I first came to school today and I heard that you were going to speak about your experiences, I suddenly felt a rush of excitement and fear. I felt the excitement for actually being able to meet one of the survivors of the Holocaust and hear a true story.… I felt fear because you were actually going to be there talking to us; it wasn’t going to be a movie or reading a book, it was going to be real.”   Robbie Thompson

“Your story made me look at the world in a whole new light. Until today I didn’t really think about, or appreciate what a good, easy, and simple life I live.”   Michael Wadden

“During the last few weeks I have learned a lot about the Holocaust and it has had a great emotional impact on me…. I could feel myself being transported back in time to the Holocaust and see what you saw and hear what you heard and fear what you feared.”   Michael Miller

October 2002