February 28, 2023 – Secondary V students at Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North have been engaged in a learning process where understanding our history, developing both empathy and compassion, as well as empowerment for the future, have been the objectives. This learning path began with a novel study of the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel which was read by LBPHS students in Pangiota Seremetis’ Secondary V English classes. The setting for the novel takes place during the Holocaust and follows Eliezer’s family`s horrific journey through to Auschwitz. The learning process concluded with a trip to the Montreal Holocaust Museum organized by Spiritual Community Animator Joseph Monachino. The visit and accompanying workshop made the experiences described in Night real for the students and made the novel study even more impactful. Mr. Monachino stresses that this type of learning opportunity truly enables and empowers each of the students, and it is in this way that we can help ensure that events such as the Holocaust never happen again.
About the Project
The objective of the EMSB Holocaust Education Program is to sensitize students and staff to the history of the Holocaust and acts of Antisemitism via special guests, lectures and visits to the Montreal Holocaust Museum and different exhibits and programming in the community. It is supported by a Nova grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal.
