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Holocaust survivor visits Wakefield College

Friday, 19 February, 2016

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A Levels Public Services A Level Law A Level Politics

Marc Schatzberger talking to students about his experiences during Word War 2

Students from Wakefield College were given a first-hand account of the Holocaust this week when survivor Marc Schatzberger visited to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Marc delivered a talk to students on the Public Services, Law and Politics courses and took questions helping students gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust.

Marc Schatzberger, born in Vienna in 1926, had Jewish parents who, after Austria was annexed to Germany by Hitler in 1938, experienced ever increasing excesses against all Jews to such an extent that it became dangerous to remain in Austria. His parents decided, for his safety, to send him to England, while they remained and ultimately were murdered at Auschwitz in Poland. 

Marc, with the aid of relatives, was educated in England and completed an engineering degree before marrying and having children.

Student Experience Manager, Janine Godfrey who organised the talk through the Holocaust Education Trust, said: “We were privileged to welcome Marc to the College. This was an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about one of the most significant events in world history from someone who lived through it.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “Marc’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.”