Holocaust Survivor Shares Testimony at Guest Speaker Event

On Tuesday, February 11, Seton Hall University’s Center for Global Education and Rutgers University’s Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights hosted a Holocaust Remembrance Event, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The event featured Holocaust survivor Fran Malkin, who shared her harrowing yet inspiring story with Daly’s secondary education class, Integrating Theory into Practice, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and moral courage.

Jim Daly,  professor in the College of Human Development Culture and Media and co-director of the Center for Global Education, along with Nela Navarro, director of the English for Academic Discourse (EAD) and assistant director in the Rutger’s English Department’s Writing Program, welcomed Malkin, who has been speaking to future educators for years, believing that their role is critical in preserving awareness of the Holocaust and other genocides. She sees her testimony as a means of ensuring that history is neither forgotten nor repeated.

During her address, Malkin recounted the incredible bravery of a Catholic Polish woman and her daughter who risked their lives to shelter her and others from the Nazis. She described in detail the sacrifices her rescuers made and the dangers they faced in standing up to evil. Through her story, she urged students to recognize the power of individual action in the face of injustice.

“We live in a time where Holocaust denial exists and appears to be growing. Antisemitism continues and gives evidence of becoming stronger and more widespread,” said Daly. “Fran Malkin’s willingness to share her story as a Holocaust survivor provided future teachers with the reality of the event. It is not just a story, a reading or a video. It was authentic and provided the pre-service candidates who met with her the opportunity to hear from the ever-fewer number of survivors.”

Heather Mecka, Chair of the Sister Rose Thering Fund for Education (SRTF), attended the event and shared her gratitude for Malkin’s visit. “I am so grateful that I had the privilege and opportunity to hear Fran Malkin's story firsthand.  She is an amazing human being and a source of inspiration and strength.” 

Navarro also expressed her appreciation for Malkin, saying, “Sharing such a personal and difficult experience takes immense courage, and we are deeply touched by her willingness to share with us.”

Categories: Education