Holocaust Survivor Addresses Students After Controversy
A Holocaust survivor who was previously denied the chance to speak to middle schoolers in Brooklyn due to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts finally addressed students on Thursday, though without any acknowledgment of the earlier disrespect he faced.
At 85, Sami Steigman had his presentation at MS447 canceled by principal Alyn Rush back in December. He mentioned his talk would focus on combating hatred and steer clear of any political discussions.
“Did I say anything about Palestine? Did I mention it? No,” he reiterated during a press conference held at Boerum Hill School.
Steigman emphasized the importance of Holocaust education, stating it serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hate. “The Holocaust must be taught forever because it is the best example of what hatred can do, not only to individuals but to groups of people, nations, and the world,” he explained.
He added, “The whole world was involved in trying to exterminate a single group,” and mentioned that Israel has been unjustly criticized.
Following his speech, Steigman had a cordial conversation with Rush, who had previously turned down a request to discuss anti-Semitism due to his pro-Israel stance. “I told her that she wanted me to know that I was qualified to speak, because once she told me that I wasn’t qualified to speak in public schools,” he recalled, to which Rush denied making such a claim.
Steigman expressed uncertainty about why he was initially rejected or what prompted the change in decision, noting he had not received an apology from the school. “I don’t hold a grudge. That’s not important,” he stated.
Rush did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Despite the earlier issues, Steigman found satisfaction in the students’ responses to his speech. “Some kids came to me. They thanked me and loved it,” he shared.
In contrast, Moshe Spern, president of the American Association of Jewish Teachers, was critical of the lack of an apology. “We need an apology, but if that’s not possible, we need to take action,” he asserted, expressing concern that such controversies might lead Jewish families to withdraw their children from New York City schools.
Spern stressed the importance of hearing from Holocaust survivors, especially given the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in schools across the city. “We have to remember that anti-Semitism is happening across New York City schools. It’s not going away. That’s why this is really, really important,” he noted.
“This is the last generation that will have the opportunity to hear the stories of Holocaust survivors,” Spern added. “This is the type of speech we need to hear that brings people together.”
