Sunday, May 4, 2014

Tak for Alt: Lessons of Survival and Transcendence


Judy Meisel could not have come to GAMP at a better time. Let's use this space to reflect on the teachings and wisdom that she shared with our community. The bravery, strength and resolve of her spirit shone brightly for us all to see. Hopefully, that LIGHT translates into greater focus, kindness and intentionality in both the interactions we have with others and the way we navigate our own personal struggles that life throws our way. Don't be shy...begin a mindful conversation. What did you think of Judy? How will learning about her experience translate into your life and interactions?

39 comments:

Unknown said...

I think that Judy is a very inspirational and insightful person and I was honored, as I'm sure most of us were, to be able to hear her talk and answer some of our questions with her vast knowledge. Judy was very wise when she answered the questions that were asked and she was very open to answering some of the even more personal questions and thought that was very brave of her to do. Judy actually speaking up about the Holocaust and telling her story, making sure that people know that it really did happen is just so brave and courageous of her to do and it has inspired me a lot. I believe that hearing about Judy's experience in the Holocaust and how she pulled through and survived has lead me to not take everyday necessities and things for granted anymore as I've probably have done in the past. I was very honored to be able to help Judy by listening to her story and letting her live out her promise to tell it.

Unknown said...

I think that the life story of Judy Meisel was very touching and inspiring to me. She kept going and did not give up on everything even through hardships. I agree with Amrit that she is such a really brave person to tell her inspiring story out there for everyone. After listening to her story, I feel more thankful for everything and everyone around me. It brings me to a realization that something like the holocaust can happen and that I should not take anything that I have for granted. I think that it was a very interesting and inspiring experience for her to be able to come to our school to talk to us.

Unknown said...

I think that Judy Meisel's life story was very inspiring and touching for me. It also touched me on a personal level when she mentioned the genocide in Cambodia because my own dad was a survivor of that event. I felt very honored to be able to hear her share her story with us first hand because there aren't a lot of people who are able to do so. I just couldn't imagine going through the experience that she went through with the holocaust, losing most of her family members and how it must have affected her emotionally. It puts you into a realization that you should be thankful even for the smallest things in life and even when you are beaten down to your lowest limit, you should still grasp onto a small piece of hope and that will lead you far just like how Judy continued to have hope and survived to live her promise of sharing with us her experience.

Sunday Htoo said...

I can now officially claim that I've met a holocaust survivor. July Meisel is a strong woman, that's for sure. Her mind is bright, her heart is pure, her eyes are sad, but her tone is bold. During the assembly I noticed every move she made and every word she said, she did without hesitation. She thought it through so much, logically and emotionally about the holocaust and her own life. She dealt with what was to come her way, and open up her own way of path, instead of following the path that was created for her. The path that led her to be at G.A.M.P. The path that led her to inspiring so many people. Other than noticing her characters, and speaking for myself, my mind can now fully comprehend what had happened in the holocaust. I can now think of The Holocaust and not have to picture a skeleton instinctively, instead a fully functioning meated strong person, walking around Philadelphia.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Judy meisel is truly inspiring. Both Judy and her sister were very brave and 2 of few survivors of the Holocaust. I have learned many life lessons from Judy. One lesson I learned is that you can't take life for granted. We take advantage of things everyday without even realising the Holcaust can occur again. Another lesson I learned is we shouldn't hold in the hate. Judy could still live with hate to this day and blame every German or anyone who was involved with the holocaust. That would be wrong because she can't blame everyone for what happened especially if they weren't even born at this time. We have to learn that we shouldn't live with the hate and that we should all learn to forgive and forget. After listening to Judy and living through her life experiences with her, I am truly impacted by Judy Miesel.

Unknown said...

I think it was very interesting to get to hear Judy Meisel's story. Not only is she brave for the way she got through her hardships, but it is inspiring that she found a way to make good out of her experience. I really liked how she answered questions instead of just going over her story. She had a conversation with us and it seemed like she really wanted to hear what we had to say. I think it is good that she came to speak to us because it gives us knowledge of the Holocaust and how it affected the people involved. I also like how she is not just an advocate for the Holocaust, but she fights for other people's rights as well. For example, she told us she was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. I think her experience translates to my life because it reminds me to be grateful for the things I have and those around me. I like how she said to respect and accept each others differences, and I will make sure to remember that.

Unknown said...

I loved hearing Judi speak about her life experience in the holocaust. Judi Meisel really inspired me and she is a very brave person. She went through many hardships and tragedies with her family and she struggled with her religion. The jews were treated very poorly and Judi's family had to go thorough a lot. Judi didn't blame Germany but held them responsible. She taught me that woking together is very important . Her other quotes also inspire me because she said stand up for yourself so you can be heard . She taught me that everyday counts and to make a difference. When Judi spoke it really was beautiful and I would love for her to come back and speak again. Everyone was emotional and really touched by her life story and what she went through.

Anonymous said...

Victoria Granton--
I think Judy Miesel is a very inspriational and wonderful person. For a person to be able to live after such trauma must be really painful. I thought she was so brave during her documentary to speak out her story and be able to say what her and her family have gone through. Even though Judy has been through the such a terrible event and has longed to live through that throughout her childhood i thought she was strong. They say sometimes that things are easier said than done but i think of this the opposite way. I know that it would be hard for me to tell a story of this event leading to result of so many deaths. Her story was very touching and also made me want to understand how she is feeling by me standing in her shoes. A very beautiful women who went through what she didn't deserve and i honor her for coming to my school to answer any questions i want to ask. Her being at the school while she was talking, i also thought to myself that i am 15 and she was 13. Knowing that how can a 13 year old survive such a devestating condition with almost to the point that there was no way out? She answered that it was just good luck. I feel luck comes at times when you really need them. Her prayers were answered and she survived till this day, i couldn't imagine to be 1 out of the total of 6,000,000 jews that were killed to be alive today. I don't think i ever showed someone with so much respect in my life and i feel so happy i met her. God bless Judy for her being the person she is. Thank you Judy Miesel for your wonderful story.

Unknown said...

Judy inspired me in many ways to change my look on life and views on others. One to not be so quick to judge others, you don't know their story. Also, she made me see that no matter how difficult of a time I think I'm going through no matter what I can get through it. I wanna be just as strong as her when I get older. Her bravery is truly inspiring and the fact she wanted to share her story with us really touched me. She is so wise and generous to share her life story and hardships with us.

Unknown said...

There are no words that could describe the kind of person Judy Meisel is. I was absolutely astonished when I heard her speak to us Friday. It was not only interesting but so heart-breaking to hear what that woman had to go through on a day-to-day basis. I know that I would not have half the courage, intelligence or hope that she possessed if I was in her situation. Hearing about the Holocaust from teachers and reading about it in textbooks provided me with information about what happened in the Holocaust but there was never any emotion behind the words that were said or read but when Judy started speaking, I actually had tears in my eyes. The things she had to witness while being basically a prisoner were indescribable but through the hardships, she always kept to her faith and remained an incredible person. That alone takes courage. When she spoke to us on Friday, I felt absolutely honored to be in the presence of her. For a woman her age and going through what she went through, I would understand if she wanted to enjoy her life and relax but instead, she took time out her day to come visit and speak to us. She is truly a role model and an inspiration to all of us and I will never forget her speech.

Learning about her experience will absolutely affect my life. The main affect will be for me to try to be an overall better person. When I am upset over little things, I will think about what Judy had to go through and that will make me realize how easy my life actually is. When I am sad or feeling down, I will think of her empowering speech to cheer me up. Finally, I will try to be as grateful as I can be because I do not have to worry about surviving on a daily basis like Judy had to. Overall, Judy was an amazing inspiration and has truly affected me.

Unknown said...

I think that Judy Meisel is a living miracle/inspiration. I was honored to be in the presence of her and hear her wise words, and I felt so privledged to ask her a question.

My favorite story that she told was when she spoke to the non-believers. They were shooting her down and trying to make her feel horrible, but she told them to get out and told her story to anyone that wanted to stay and listen. The group went from 22 people to 9 people. This was inspirational to me because it showed her strength and confidence to get up there and tell the world her story.

I respect Judy Meisel because she wants to make a difference. She repeatedly talks about how discrimination is wrong and that bullies are wrong. She spreads her message by traveling the world and with her bookmarks. On those bookmarks, she has life lessons that she has learned over the years. Te one that really stuck out to me was "make your days count". I felt like that statement goes with making a difference. Even a small difference to make yourself better will effect the world in a positive way.

Her story about how she was only 12 when the Nazi's came into her village and burned people was horrifying to me. I can't imagine anyone, much less a 12 year old going through that type of horror. When she was 16 years old, she was only 47 pounds. If it wasn't for the Danish people, she wouldn't be alive today.

Her story turned her into an advocate against discrimination and I support her 100%. She inspired me to make little differences in my life to make me as a person better and to eventually make the world a better place foe everyone. I will never forget the amazing story and visit of Judy Meisel.

Daniel Kaufman said...

I believe that what Judy talked about is exactly what many people in the world need to here. Treating people less then what they deserve has been a issue since like forever! I think the amazing thing about what she talked about is how she takes bullying just as serious as she takes what happens in the holocaust. We need more people in the world with her understanding and her view point. Yet people of this time just dont seem to care. The holocaust and bullying everything like that is a selfish thing. Anyone who is being mean or treating people less then they should is a very selfish thing! what judy whent threw made her much more selfless! And all people who bully should think about being that way too.

Nicolette Retallick said...

I personally think that Judy Meisel is a living inspiration. Not only did she find a way to push through all the terrible hardships, but she is leaving behind a legacy. Her story really is touching and very heartfelt. I think it is important that Judy, and us continue to pass on her story. If you think back the Holocaust wasn't that long ago, and there were not that many survivors. While we were having a discussion with Judy, she sincerely seemed as if she wanted us to hear what she was saying, and I did. One think that grabbed my attention during the conversation was that she fought for everyone's rights, and she is pretty sharp for being that she is in her mid to late 80s. I truly admire Judy, she turned such an awful thing in her life into a positive by reaching out to others and telling her story. It is up to us to make sure that her story lives on. The knowledge that Judy passed on to me applies to my life because it has taught to never take my days for granted. Make every day count.

Anonymous said...

Judy Meisel was not the first Holocaust survivor I have seen, but she was the most inspirational. She made me realize that you have to live every day like it is your last and to not be afraid of who you are. I feel like what Judy said made me think in a different perspective. She made me think about all the possibilities that are given to us. She also made me think about how fortunate I am to be who I am because there are people who have it worse. I feel like meeting her made me think about doing better things that can make my days count. But I can never do as much as Judy. Judy is making her voice known as a Civil Rights Activist and a Holocaust survivor. She is truly a gift to mankind. With her words of wisdom and her thoughts from the soul, Judy Meisel can soften the hardest rock.

Unknown said...

Judy Meisel had a very interesting and a depressing early life that had touched all of us that was in the assembly. It is very sad that the Holocaust had happened to her, or at all really. She's very inspiring. She was a survivor and she had promised to tell the stories of the dead ones, and I am very grateful to learn about them from her in person. She taught us me to be more positive in life and not being so negative to one another. Once again I am very grateful for Judy to stop by at GAMP.

Unknown said...

I think Judy is a very respectable woman. I was completely shocked by all the horror this woman was through, and am amazed she could keep on living with most of her family and friends completely wiped out. This really makes me reflect on how the world has progressed in terms of tolerance. I know the world isn't exactly perfect, but if people like Judy can go around and preach her struggle, maybe she could change some minds about equality. She is a very influential person, and I believe people like Judy can spark a change. I understand racism and intolerance will never go away, but cutting down their numbers is a good way to start, huh?

Bella Piacentino said...

Judy really impacted me from when she first walked in until now. There were some laughs and tears at the assembly which made my day. Judy inspired me to live life happily and open-mindedly. With one of her main quotes "make the days count," I've decided to try new things. Things I was afraid to do, like read a Romeo and Juliet scene in English class or talk to someone that I barely knew (which I am so proud that I did and it made my day even brighter).
Judy made me appreciate life and look at situations with a happier perspective. Things could always be worse and your life could suddenly change. So you need to make the best of your time here while your alive. Lately I've noticed a happier me and I hope she's here to stay. :)

Carly Griffith said...

Judy Meisel really made me think twice about the word we live in. The first thing she told us was not to bully and to be nice to each other because what we do now stays with us throughout our whole life. Judy was so inspirational. She said some deep things that I could never forget. Judy’s message of hope and her faith in humans’ ability to act on ethical principles inspires others to consider how they, out of the circumstances of their own lives, can make a difference in the lives of those around them and in the communities in which they live. She said, "One person can do a lot." This is absolutely true. I can say that Judy herself did a lot. She survived and had hope all along. Judy is a brave women that touched my heart. These are the people we should appreciate and applaud.

Unknown said...

I think that hearing from Judy Meisel was a good experience for myself, and for everyone else in GAMP. She came of her own free will to talk about one of the most frightening times of her life. Confronting bad memories is hard for many people to do (we like to try and forget things), but Judy wants people to remember and try to understand what she went through. Her documentary gave a nice amount of information and her visit answered any questions not answered within the video. There is also an element to meeting a Holocaust survivor. I know information about the Holocaust that was taught to me in school, but actually meeting someone who lived through it was nothing like simply "being taught". Her visit removes any doubt about the Holocaust and hopefully it inspired people to share any new information they've learned.

Unknown said...

I think Judy Meisel is a very inspirational person. I am so glad that she can come and tell us about her story. I think it is very inspirational because she has gone through so much but she still here wanting to educate people to respect others. She taught me not to judge others and everybody is equal. I think she is very brave to talk about her experience that she herself probably want to forget.

Anonymous said...




I feel as though Judy Meisel is a very inspirational woman who had great courage and faith throughout her journey in the holocaust. Some quotes that stood out to me said by Judy Meisel were " make your days count" and " never give up." These two quotes showed the great intuition Judy had for fighting for her and her sisters life despite the loss of her mother. Another quote said by Judy was, "As I ran out I was lucky that the guard didn’t see me or I would have been shot Nearby five women were taking dresses off the corpses They dressed me, and then I ran back to the barrack. That was the last time I saw my mother." This very moment many children Judy's age would have gave up and broke down, however this gave her more faith and strength to keep on fighting despite the trigger her and her sister faced on escaping from the holocaust with the help of others who were not Jewish. As Judy talked about her experience on the death march I could feel a strong sense of release in her after knowing her and her sister escaped from the Russian forces and how she was here to speak to us on that day. I also was honored how Judy did not only support Jews but she also helped African Americans and those who were different throughout the Civil Rights Movement and helped initiate the march on Washington along with the beloved Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Learning about Judy's experience will translate in my life because now I will learn how to treat those with differences of race, sexual preferences, and gender with great respect now knowing the struggles people have to face just because they are different and those who were killed because they were different than society portrayed as a perfect person.

Catherine Carsello said...

Judy Meisel is a very inspirational and uplifting person. She inspires and encourages everyone, including me, to make sure that we do not take anything for granted. She taught us that we should be grateful for what we have because other people have it worse. Judy is also very brave because she managed to stay strong and focused on surviving throughout the Holocaust. I can’t imagine what she was going through and how hard it must have been to realize what was happening to her and her family.
I think that it is fair to say that Judy inspired and touched everyone that was listening to her. She made me realize that I should make every day count by doing something meaningful to me or to the people that I love. All in all, I believe that Judy is a wonderful and inspirational person.

Madison Milano said...

Judy Meisel is an extremely big inspiration to me. She has been through so much and has so many scars, yet turns what happened in her life into a positive and shares her story with students. She is such a strong women despite all of her heartache and to me and I am sure to many other, that is truly remarkable. I think that so many people look up to the people they see on TV and the people they hear on the radio. Celebrities are always getting praised for every little thing that they do. I think that most people tend to forget that Judy is the real inspiration. She is such an amazing role model and someone to look up to. I believe that she is a prime example of strength and bravery. I think that she taught a wonderful lesson about how you need to live everyday like it is you last and really live life to the complete fullest. She has truly fulfilled such a wonderful legacy that will certainly be remembered for a long time.

Unknown said...

Wow. Just wow. I'm so touched by her story and teachings. Judy Meisel is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my entire life. And to have gone through so many hardships and still manage to live on is amazing. I don't think I could ever do that. She reminded me that there are kind people in the world despite all the darkness. There are so many willing to sacrifice their lives just so others can live without sufferings. It's just wow. I'm really speechless. Her teachings have impacted me so much. I learned to become a bit kinder and more considerate of people's lives because you never know what they have been through. Everyone has problems they're going through and to show a bit of kindness like a smile can help feel a bit better.
Judy is such a kind, strong, inspirational, woman and I really wish I can get to hear more of teachings!

Nina McManus said...

I thought Judy was simply incredible. I have no words to describe how incredibly grateful I am for her coming as I know we are going to be the last generation to ever get to meet a holocaust survivor. I thought she was very articulate and extremely inspirational. It was so moving that she could not only go on as a person after going through what she did but she also has the courage to open up about her experience to children.
I will definitely take what she told us into my life. It inspired me to just be a better person and to always remember to be tolerant. Also, I know I always need to vote even if I think it won't make a difference because it does. She also said "You never know how resilient you are". So even when you think you might be at your lowest point, you can get through it.

caytlen lamaj said...

It was amazing to meet Judy Meisel. Her story really is so interesting. It breaks my heart what she had to go through, what all the Holocaust survivors had to go through. It is a heartbreaking thing to hear those stories. When Judy talked about her mother and the last time she saw her, that was really inspiring on how she didn't give up. That women is so brave. She goes out and tells her stories to people like us, who have no idea what it was like. She is reminded of all the nightmare details every time she talks about it. This is truly amazing. I also appreciated how she was kind enough to share her story...a lot of these survivors are dying, and so will their stories. The Holocaust was one of the worst things to happen in this world, but it did happen. What really surprised me was when Judy talked about the people who neglect that it happened. How can someone think like that? Yes it happened, yes it was a terrible thing, but it taught the world ideas. It changed the life of many people. People like Judy who want to pass down the idea of peace. She truly is an amazing women, I was honored to listen to her speak. I also want to thank her for her bravery. God bless her.

Yung Claire said...

Although I was not in class to watch the documentary I really appreciated Judy Meisel. Her story was inspiring, because she didn't give up. It made me want to do more with my life and never give up. All you ever hear about is all the people who died in the holocaust but to here the story of someone who is still living was pretty awesome. The way she talked to us and was so open with us was truly amazing. The one thing she said that really caught me off guard was that she didn't have any hate for Germany, even though they practically ruined her life. Being myself, I hold the longest and worst grudges and that just inspired me a lot. From this moment on I am going to live life to the fullest, never give up, and not hate people. Because if Judy doesn't hate the people that ruined her life, why should I hate the people that frustrate me?

Unknown said...

Judy Meisel’s visit was not only a teaching experience but an inspirational experience. Judy’s entire discussion eluded bravery, strength, and hope.
One particular response from Judy was really an inspirational moment. Faheem asked a great question that related Judy’s experiences to our class discussions about Black identity. He essentially asked, “How do you identify yourself?” Judy was quick to respond by saying “I am Jewish.” This showed me strength. Despite everything that Judy suffered and experienced because of her race, she never lost sight of who she was. People are constantly questioning their identity but this was the one thing Judy Meisel was sure of. She carried on with confidence and was never ashamed of who she was.

Another moment that was very telling was when Judy stated, “The world was silent.” These words are powerful because people during the Holocaust knew what was happening but did not speak up. This translated to me that we cannot expect to see change if we are not willing to try and make this change. Judy showed me that true strength is not being afraid to make a difference.

Unknown said...

I think that Judy made a large impact on GAMP well at least me. One thing Judy said that suck out to me was "Each person is important and should be respected" this means a lot to me coming from her because she actually means it. She was treated like she wasn't human which is why this really affected me. This is also important because of what happened in GAMP this week. The fight proves Judy point no one person is greater than the other. Judy was an example for me as to how cruel people can actually be. I will try hard to value and treat others the way I want to be treated. I think that Judy know too because she mentioned that people will care more or feel more affected because the words being spoken are first person point of view. Judy knows that he motivational words will impact and change a lot of people. Not only did Judy affect me on how to treat others she also showed me to value family. Judy lost 143 family members in the Holocaust and I take my parents and grandparents for granted daily. I have to value them because literally without them I would not be able to grow and develop as a healthy teenage girl should.

Winter Rose said...

My thoughts on Judy Meisel are that she is a fine example of what people can do as their best selves. The fact that she didn't give up on her own life while everyone around her was grieving for theirs is a wonder within itself but, for her to go on and help others in their time of need...That's what makes her special. And if she's imparted any of her wisdom to us it's that doing nothing when people are being hurt in some way is one of the worst things anyone can do. This translates into my life and interactions by making me be careful about what I say to others and letting someone know that they're not alone in this world.

Ray Aing said...

Just like everyone else, I felt that she was very inspirational and brave person for being able to travel and tell people of her experience. After going through an experience like the Holocaust I think that most people would be traumatized and have trouble talking about the subject at all. Instead, Judy was willing to answer all of our questions we had about her story. No matter what happened, she stuck to her beliefs and made it out at the end. It really makes you think about how much we actually have and how fast you can lose it all, giving you all the more reason to appreciate what you have. She is probably one of the strongest people I have met, and I am grateful to have been able to listen to her.

Melissa Gatbonton said...

I think that Judy Meisel is a very respectable woman. She did not let the horrors of her past stop her from living her life and it's very inspiring. Despite the seemingly bleak future that Judy had when she was a young girl, she still chose to cling onto hope and onto her faith. Instead of letting her experience traumatize her, she turned it into a strength and uses it as a medium to encourage and inspire others. She fought not only for herself, but for the betterment of future generations. Now, Ms. Judy is still working to create a better place for tomorrow.
I can safely say that Ms. Judy Meisel has definitely shed some light in my life. She strengthened my belief that all people should be as civil as possible with one another despite their differences. She also taught me that things DO get better no matter how impossible it may seem. I'm thankful that I met her.

Unknown said...

It was such a honor to meet Judy Meisel. I'm grateful that she visited GAMP out of many other high schools. When I first heard that she was coming to GAMP, I was excited and full of curiosity. I had studied and done much research on the Holocaust, but never met an actual survivor before. Watching the movie of Judy Meisel was truly saddening to my heart, but hearing her speak about her experience in person made me tear up. Despite the hardships Judy faced, she did not give up and continued moving forward. Judy taught me that giving up is not an option. Even if you're stuck in a conflict, you just have to push through. I was truly inspired by Judy Meisel's speech. After her words, I realize how lucky I am compared to many other people in the world. It really makes me want to help out the world and do community service. Like she says, we are the future. We are the key to the future. And it is our job to make sure something like the Holocaust never happens again. If we all work together without discrimination or racism, peace could be possible. The world definitely needs more of it. Thank you Judy Meisel for visiting GAMP. I will always remember the lessons that you've taught me.

Unknown said...

I think that Judy’s visit to G.A.M.P definitely helped to open my eyes in more ways than one. Before that day, I had never before talked to a Holocaust survivor about their expirences, and thought that it’d be rare if I ever would. If I had been through something like that, would I be brave enough to talk about it? Probably not. I might not even be able to acknowledge that part of my life, let alone let other people hear about it. Maybe cowardly, but true. I think that seeing Judy’s bravery helped me get some of my own, however borrowed. To think that she can stand up and talk to us, giving us messages of hope and educating us is amazing. I knew that there are some people in denial of the Holocaust, but I didn’t know to that scale. To think that anyone would try to ignore and hide something terrible so they can feel better is to ignore the very people who were victims. I think that the most amazing thing that Judy has brought me is new perspective of how I treat people, and how precious life really is.

Unknown said...

I believe that Judy Meisel was a titian for what she did that day. She tried to spread a message of abuse and survival.
She did something that no one in a million years could do. She fought for her very essence against an evil that tried to annihilate a species of earth -The Nazi. They thought that Judy was a table that had to be cleaned, a dish that need to be washed and street that had to be swept. She was considered filth to the Germanic and Arian race. They believed that she and millions of other Jews were responsible for demonizing the success for the German economy. Judy has been through more than any person can even imagine. Her Family was gassed, every day she was encountered with pits of bodies and a stench of burning bodies every single day. She managed to escape with her sister and they went from hiding themselves from the public, to working as slave labor for the Germans. What happen to her and her sister and how they survived is one of the most ironic happy endings ever. The ship that had the slave labor got bombed and Judy Meisel and sister swam to Denmark. When they arrived they were classified as the only Jews there. This shows that luck can come with in all of us. But happened to her was amazing. She became a super hero for surviving a crisis like that.

John Semaan said...

Talking to Judy about her past was very interesting. I was always intrigued by the history of the Holocaust. I loved reading "Night" by Elie Wiesel, an autobiography about a boy going through the toughest part in Jewish history. And writing his story had influenced me to go in depth about learning more Holocaust stories. Which lead me to read other books such as "The Diary of Ann Frank", "The Boy who dared", "The Boy In The Stripped Pajamas", and "Number The Stars". As Judy was speaking I was trying to gather up the courage to ask her about the book night when she suddenly started to discuss, on how she talked to holocaust survivors such as Elie Wiesel himself. If I learned anything from Judy herself is to never judge anyone and always forgive you enemy. Judy said she had no hatred towards Germany and it's people. "The past is in the past" Judy's words herself. She says she still has nightmares on what had happened so long ago. And even then her inspiring story still carries on within us and throughout history.

Brian Clark said...

I think that Judy Meisel is a fine example of what people can do as their best selves. The fact that she didn't give up on her own life while everyone around her was grieving for theirs is a wonder within itself but, for her to go on and help others in their time of need...That's what makes her special. And if she's imparted any of her wisdom to us it's that doing nothing when people are being hurt in some way is one of the worst things anyone can do. This translates into my life and interactions by making me be careful about what I say to others and letting someone know that they're not alone in this world.

Eric Clark said...

Judy Meisel is an example that we can all aspire to be. She is the example people look at so that they try to their best selves. The way that she told her story to us and how she and her sister never gave up on life while everyone else around her was grieving for their lives and their losses of family. To live is a wonder within itself but, for her to go on and help others in their time of need after going through what might have been hell on earth is what makes her special and a hero. And if any of her wisdom has rubbed off on to us it's that doing nothing when people are being hurt in some way is one of the worst things anyone can do which is one of the quotes on the bookmarkers we received. Because of her and because of her courage I now know that I have to stand up not only for myself but for those that can’t stand up for themselves and anyone who has no one to help them. It is because of Judy Meisel, my life has changed for the better.