Students at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School were honored to welcome Holocaust survivors Dr. Bernie Furshpan and Mr. Meir Usherovitz. Both survivors shared their harrowing yet inspiring stories of survival during a dark period of history.

The accounts shared by Dr. Bernie Furshpan and Mr. Meir Usherovitz are a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Port Jefferson Schools. “Their stories are a testament to the enduring power of hope, courage, and determination.

Dr. Bernie Furshpan, a second-generation survivor, addressed the middle school students, recounting the unimaginable struggles faced by his father during the Holocaust. Dr. Furshpan's father, just a child at the time, endured the horrors of living in the forest, facing unbearable conditions day and night. Through his poignant narrative, Dr. Furshpan shed light on the resilience and courage exhibited by those who fought for survival against all odds.

At Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, Mr. Meir Usherovitz, a first-generation survivor, shared his deeply personal journey of survival, recounting his experiences in various concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Mauthausen. Mr. Usherovitz's firsthand account provided high school students with a vivid understanding of the atrocities perpetrated during the Holocaust and the indomitable spirit that enabled survivors to persevere in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The presentations served as powerful educational experiences, offering students valuable insights into the Jewish life in shtetls before the Holocaust, the transition to ghettos, and the establishment of determination and forced labor camps. By bearing witness to the survivors' stories, students gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of remembrance, empathy, and tolerance in shaping a more compassionate and just society.

Date Added: 4/12/2024