Leon and Marsha Halpert lead a presentation for 5th grade students about the Holocaust.

Fifth grade students from across the East Greenbush Central School District learned about the Holocaust from two guest speakers during a virtual presentation last week. The presentation featured Leon and Marsha Halpert, who are the parents-in-law of Genet 5th grade teacher Daniel Scher, and who are both children of Holocaust survivors.

Each of the fifth grade classes from Bell Top, Donald P. Sutherland, Genet, Green Meadow and Red Mill Elementary Schools joined the presentation from their classrooms, watching and listening to the guest speakers.

The Halperts shared a basic history of the Holocaust and World War II as well as some of their family’s personal stories. The presentation provided background knowledge for the students who are reading the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry this year.

“A slogan marking the importance of Holocaust education and helping to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself is ‘Never again and never forget,’” said Mr. Scher. “This presentation allowed our students to honor the memories of those who passed and never forget their legacies.”

Following the presentation, students were able to ask Mr. and Mrs. Halpert questions about the Holocaust and their family history.