By Luce Cada '23

Each year, the sophomores at Notre Dame are invited to listen to the testimony of a Holocaust survivor. This year, the Class of 2023 listened to Anita’s testimony, hosted by the Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Holocaust Center. The Jaguars attended a Zoom meeting in May and were able to interact with Anita and the hosts throughout the testimony. 

In their religion, history and English classes, the Jaguars are learning and reflecting on the Holocaust and its toll on the world. Themes of forgiveness, inclusivity and love are some of the topics they are focusing on, and Anita’s story reminded them of those concepts. She reminded students to “Keep on loving — learning, and loving,” the memory of which will stay with them. She reminded them of their commitment to life-long learning and loving one another as ND students, and many were inspired to continue to spread kindness and share her story. During their debrief in their separate history classes, they reflected on how they were now witnesses to her testimony and could keep her memories alive. 

The Class of 2023 may be one of the last classes to hear from a survivor of the Holocaust, and it is important for them to be able to remember the devastating stories of the past and prevent them from reoccuring. Through oral tradition and books, the Jaguars and many others of their generation will be able to reflect on their unique stories.