1 February 2022
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"I survived and was saved by the kindness of people I did not know".
Students and staff warmly welcomed an inspirational guest for Holocaust Memorial Day 2022.
Leisel Carter, was only 4 years old when her young life was changed forever. In a few short months, Leisel's father was killed, her older brother disappeared (presumed dead, but thankfully later found), and her mother was forced to flee, leaving Leisel alone and in an ever worsening, perilous situation. A way out was found, and this brave girl travelled across Europe, on her own, using a Nansen passport (a travel document issued to stateless refugees) to provide safe passage.
Collected from train to train, Leisel eventually arrived in Norway to be cared for by the Alfsen family. On the day Leisel left, she was alone again, walking up the gangplank of a ship bound for Great Britain, her future unknown, with only a label around her neck that read -
‘My name is Leisel Meier, I’m going to Newcastle’.
Leisel spoke with dignity, her words were touching and incredibly moving throughout her talk, especially in the Q&A session that followed.
This wonderful session continued as Rabbi Dovid Y. Lewis explored and elaborated upon the themes introduced by Leisel and her incredible life story. Beautifully relating them to the ways we think and can support Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 and it's theme of 'One Day'. After further questions, and thought provoking answers, Mr Longden, Teacher of Religious Education, thanked our guests to the sound of rapturous applause and cheers.
Leisel was moved, as were we all, as we said goodbye.
Students and staff are all deeply thankful for this opportunity to listen to Leisel, learning to celebrate life and cherish the time we have together. Our huge thanks to Rabbi Dovid for guiding and encouraging us to look beyond 'One Day' of memorial towards a time when, one day we will all live in peace.
Our thanks also go to the amazing Mr Longden, for planning and organising this inspiring event.
"I am the happy ending".
