Guest Speakers: Holocaust Survivors

As I watched the three Holocaust survivors, I was overtaken by gratitude and guilt. All three survivors addressed their lasting “trauma” and their longing to be considered a “normal American” after moving to the states. By listening to their stories, I felt like I had been included in a part of history and was also reminded of all that I have to be thankful for. I felt guilty for taking my freedom for granted. Their stories were riveting. The experience was invaluable. May their stories live on.
-Chantyl Butler, UW-Parkside student

Mr. Aaron Elster: survivor and author of “I Still See Her Haunting Eyes,” Mr. Aaron Elster is a key participant and founder of the Holocaust Memorial Museum located in Skokie, Illinois.

Mrs. Edie Shafer: a survivor of the Shanghai ghetto. Her presentation included scanned copies of original papers from Auschwitz documenting the death of her grandparents. The doll she holds in her hand is the only toy she had as a child in her Shanghai ghetto

Ms. Rae David: survivor of Polish ghettos and concentration camp, she, along with her mother and aunt, all survived. She claims that it was only “luck” that kept them alive. She encouraged her audience to “forgive-not to hate” because hate can destroy people.