Holocaust Education Program Podcast

Recorded at Royal West Academy on Yom HaShoah, this episode brings together four Secondary 5 students and Rachel Goodman in conversation with Mark Bergman. Following Rachel’s powerful presentation about her mother’s experience during the Holocaust, and the family who risked everything to save her life, the group reflects on the impact of hearing such a story firsthand.Through thoughtful discussion, they explore the importance of remembrance, the weight of carrying these stories forward, and what it means for the next generation to ensure that history is never forgotten.

The EMSB is proud to continue its vital Holocaust education program, thanks to a generous grant from Federation CJA. In this episode, host Mark Bergman takes listeners on a tour with Grade 11 students from John F. Kennedy High School, exploring the impact of this important program. He also sits down with Sara Fogg, Communications Director at the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and Paula Kilian, EMSB Commissioner, to discuss the program’s significance, funding, and the role of education in preserving history.Join us as we hear firsthand from students and leaders committed to keeping the lessons of the Holocaust alive for future generations.

In this episode, we sit down with students from Pierre Elliot Trudeau School—Beatrice, Massimo, Azhana, and Simone—four thoughtful and articulate Grade 6 voices, joined by Rocco Speranza, student animator at the EMSB. Together, we delve into their journey of learning about the Holocaust.  We explore the significance of Holocaust education, reflecting on what the students knew beforehand, the moments that left the deepest impressions, and why acknowledging the mistakes of the past is essential for a better future. Themes of respect, acceptance, inclusion, and understanding are woven throughout their reflections, highlighting the lasting impact of this powerful educational experience.  Join us for a compelling conversation about the role of history in fostering empathy, awareness, and positive change.

In this episode, we sit down with Grade 6 students Ciella and Léon from Edward Murphy Elementary School, along with Rocco Speranza, the school’s personal development and community involvement animator, to reflect on their visit to the Montreal Holocaust Museum.  We explore the students’ experiences, starting with what they knew about the Holocaust before their visit and the educational preparation they received in class. They share the moments that impacted them most and discuss why learning from the mistakes of the past is vital for fostering respect, acceptance, inclusion, and understanding in today’s world.  Join us as we uncover what these young learners took away from this important visit, their feelings, and how the lessons of history shape their perspective on peace and inclusion. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about the importance of teaching respect and understanding to future generations.

In this episode, we sit down with Grade 6 students Alex De Cola, Lily Daniliuc, and Sidney Chheng from Dante, alongside Mary Poulas, a dedicated personal development and community animator. Together, they reflect on a transformative educational experience: their visit to the Holocaust Museum.The conversation delves into how the students were prepared for this profound journey, their initial understanding of the Holocaust, and the lasting impressions the museum visit left on them. 

In this episode, we sit down with students from Perspectives I and II who recently took part in an educational tour of the Montreal Holocaust Museum. Joining us are Damien Anthony Masson-Ioanna, Mia Manicone, and Victoria from Perspectives II, all in Secondary 5, along with Massimo Vitale, a Grade 8 student from Perspectives I.  Also featured are Rodney Hanelsman, a teacher from Perspectives II, and Sarah Fogg, the Communications Director at the Montreal Holocaust Museum.  We explore the impact of Holocaust education through the eyes of these young learners, discussing the moments during the tour that left a lasting impression. Through their reflections, we delve into why understanding the mistakes of the past is essential for building a future rooted in respect, acceptance, inclusion, and understanding.  It’s a heartfelt conversation about history,  antisemitism and the power of education.

Embark on an insightful journey with award-winning teacher Chantal Clabrough, recipient of the 2023 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. Join Chantal and two exceptional students, Aissatou Barrie and Joseph Pozdena, as they share their moving experiences at the Montreal Holocaust Museum and discuss the profound impact of learning about the Holocaust in the classroom. This episode unveils the power of history education, offering a compelling exploration of real-world and classroom perspectives on this crucial topic.

On Monday, November 13, some members of the English Montreal School Board  (EMSB) Council of Commissioners made an unprecedented visit to the Montreal Holocaust Museum.The EMSB has placed a heavy emphasis on students, notably those from non-Jewish areas, visiting the Museum and learning more about the Holocaust and the evils of antisemitism. Most recently, the Council of Commissioners adopted a resolution calling for Holocaust education to become mandatory in the curriculum.On this episode, EMSB Chair, Joe Ortona, and Parent Commissioner, Maria Corsi join Mark Bergman to discuss their experience at the museum. 

Sandra Banon, Cycle 3 French teacher (St. Monica), and Samantha Page Smith, Spiritual and Community Animator (Westmount High, St. Monica, Hampstead, and John Grant High School) were selected to take part in the 2023 Canadian Society for Yad Vashem Holocaust Educators Scholarship program in Israel this past July along with dozens of other educators from across Canada. Mme Banon took part in the two-week seminar in French, while Ms. Samantha took part in the English. They attended lectures and workshops at the International School for Holocaust Studies (ISHS) where educators are taught to bring their students safely in and safely out of the learning environment with the provision of age and level appropriate materials to aid the learning process. The ISHS uses an interdisciplinary approach to Holocaust education - through art, music, literature, theology and drama - to provide students a broader understanding of what happened during this period. Sandra and Samantha will be bringing their applied knowledge to St. Monica (and others) in the year ahead.  

The Grade 5 students at Gardenview Elementary  School in St. Laurent have spent the last few months learning about the Holocaust in order to begin their novel study on the book, Number the Stars.Listen to this episode as Mark Bergman chats with teacher Ms Fogel, as well as students Olivia Tseles, Konstantina Kromida, and David Tarasco about their visit.

In this latest play from multi-award-winning playwright Joshua Harmon, a Jewish couple in 1944 Paris faces the impact of the Holocaust. More than 70 years later, their great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: "Are we safe?"Join hosts Eliane Goldstein and Mark Bergman as they chat with Ellen David (graduate of Wagar High School) and Misha Kreyzerman (graduate of Royal Vale) from Prayer For The French RepublicThe play runs until May 14th, at the Segal Center. 

Secondary V students at Lester B. Pearson High School in Montreal North have been engaged in a learning process where understanding our history, developing both empathy and compassion, as well as empowerment for the future, have been the objectives. This learning path began with a novel study of the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel which was read by LBPHS students in Pangiota Seremetis' Secondary V English classes. The setting for the novel takes place during the Holocaust and follows Eliezer's family`s horrific journey through to Auschwitz. The learning process concluded with a trip to the Montreal Holocaust Museum organized by Spiritual Community Animator  Joseph Monachino. The visit and accompanying workshop made the experiences described in Night real for the students and made the novel study even more impactful.  Mr. Monachino stresses that this type of learning opportunity truly enables and empowers each of the students, and it is in this way that we can help ensure that events such as the Holocaust never happen again. Join Mark Bergman as he chats with, Cristina Baronello (student), Sienna Porco (student), and their teacher Ms Pangiota Seremetis.

Mark Bergman chats with Secondary V Rosemont High School students, Alessandra Cristiano, Katherine Sideris, and teacher Mr. Giancola, about their recent visit to the Montreal Holocaust Museum.

After learning about the story of Muguette Myers, the Holocaust survivor visited Stacey Blumer's class at Marymount Academy International.In this episode you'll hear all about that visit, as we chat with resource teacher Stacey Blumer, students Johanna Seligman and Sam Deljouy Toheidi, as well as Muguette Myers herself!If you'd like to learn more about Muguette Myers, you can pick up her book entitled Where Courage Lives.You can also listen to her interview on The Effect On Us Podcast, with Eliane Goldstein. 

Royal West Academy Secondary III teacher Katharine Cukier took her class to see The Covenant, a play based on a true story from 1944 where Nazis deceived a Swiss Red Cross team investigating the treatment of Jewish inmates at a camp in Theresienstadt, Czechoslovakia. The play was written by Alice Abracen, a graduate of Royal West Academy, and former student of Ms. Cukier!Hosts Eliane Goldstein & Mark Bergman chat with Alice Abracen, Katherine  Cukier, along with secondary 3 students Brad Coleman and Alexandra Athenasopoulos, about their reaction to the play!

As part of Holocaust Education Month, author Monique Polak visited two elementary schools –  Our Lady of Pompei in Ahuntsic and Westmount Park to read from  The Brass Charm. This marks her first picture book for children. In it she  tells the story of a gift from a perfect stranger that her mother (the late Celien Spier) received on her 14th birthday while a prisoner at the Nazi concentration camp  in Czechoslovakia called Theresienstadt during the Holocaust. Over the next few months Monique will be making other school visits.In this episode, you'll hear from Grade 5 students Amelia Lavergne (Westmount Park), Adriana Pinetta (Our Lady Of Pompei), along with spiritual animator Mikaella Goldsmith, and author Monique Polak.Enjoy!

On Friday October 28th, Liberal MP for Mount-Royal Anthony Housefather, joined Grade 6 students at Carlyle Elementary to discuss antisemitism, hate, and disinformation.On this edition of the podcast we'll chat with 2 students who attended the session (Anthony Minit-sios  and Aaditya Ratan Gupta), as well as Anthony Housefather, to discuss and recap what the class learned! 

Our first school visit was courtesy of the grade 5 students, at Nesbitt Elementary. You'll hear what the students learned from their tour, plus their tour guide's incredible reaction! Also hear how their Child Care Worker was deeply affected by the class visit.In this podcast:Grade 5 student Nicolas Kelly.Grade 5 student Olena HolowkaChild Care Worker Charlene TimothyMontreal Holocaust Museum tour guide Agneta Hollander

In this premiere episode, you'll meet our hosts Mark Bergman  and Westmount High student Eliane Goldstein. They'll  talk about the new program and find out more about the upcoming year from  Monique Mcleod, head of education at the Montreal Holocaust Museum and Danika Swanson ,Consultant for the Spiritual and Community Animation Service of the EMSB.