On Thursday 22nd January, all Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in an online webinar featuring Holocaust survivor Paul Sved BEM, organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The session gave students the important opportunity to hear a first-hand account of life during the Holocaust.
Paul Sved was born in Budapest, Hungary, in February 1938. He was a young child when the Second World War began. Paul described how his early life changed as anti-Jewish laws were introduced in Hungary. Jewish families were increasingly excluded from everyday life and Paul explained how simple activities, such as travelling on public transport, became restricted.
In 1944, when Germany occupied Hungary, the situation became far more dangerous. Paul and his mother were forced to wear the yellow Star of David and were no longer safe in their own home. They went into hiding and survived by using false identity papers. During this time, they moved between different hiding places, including protected houses and the homes of non-Jewish families. Paul spoke about the fear and uncertainty they experienced and the constant risk of being discovered.
Paul and his mother survived the war and were reunited with family members afterwards. Life in Hungary remained difficult and Paul later moved to Britain, where he studied at Leeds University, built a career and raised a family. He now dedicates his time to sharing his experiences with young people, helping them to understand the impact of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.
Students listened respectfully throughout the webinar and gained a powerful insight into the human impact of the Holocaust. Hearing Paul’s testimony helped bring their learning to life and reinforced the importance of remembering the past and challenging intolerance today.
We are very grateful to Paul Sved for sharing his experiences and for helping to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Mr Herbert
Curriculum Leader for History
