Josh Gortler visits Northwest School

Survivor Josh Gortler spoke to students at the Northwest School in Seattle.  Their teacher created an online response board which effectively encouraged students to think more deeply about Josh's presentation. The questions and responses can be found here.  Below are a few excerpts from the students' responses.

"From Mr. Gortler's talk, I took the message that we can't deny our own history. There are horrible things that have happened throughout history which illustrate the evil of which man is capable. In order to create a society which highlights the best aspects of humanity, we must not shy away from these atrocities. They are a part of our shared history, and because of that it is only through studying them, documenting them and learning from them that we can prevent their reoccurence, and create a better future. Additionally, part of this learning from the past involves recognizing and responding to the injustices that we see around us."

"This quote ["My life is not defined by the Holocaust.  If we keep living in the past we have no present and no future..."] to me means that in every life there is struggle, there are going to be things that happen to you which are angering and horrible. But even with those events: life moves on. Mr. Gortler experienced one of the most horrific genocides in human history: but instead of defining his life as a Holocaust Survivor, he is taking the messages and lessons he learned and turning them into something new. He has created a life influenced undoubtedly by his experiences, but not shaped around them. His life, and all lives, are what the person makes them."

"I appreciated him saying that ["I am a witness to history -- now so are you."], it made me feel very lucky but I was very effected by what he said about us as a group of student, and what we must do with the education we are receiving... With all the opportunities I have had and continue to have I want to do something that will justify how blessed I am, but am very intimidated.. It is a big responsibility to make the world a better place, as Josh expects of us."

"The part I found most memorable was his excitement and the way he embraced his role of a storyteller. He was animated, and wanted to spark a discussion among the students. He took the terrible things that happened in his life, and turned them into a positive, a reason to connect and inform young people of the history he witnessed."

"The overarching message I took away from the presentation was that the memory of the Holocaust should be kept alive at all costs, and that it is important to stand up in the face of prejudice, cruelty, and denial to prevent anything like the Holocaust from happening again."

You can learn more about Josh and his story on our website by visiting: http://www.wsherc.org/center/survivorstories/survivorstories.aspx