On October 29, 2014, Marion Blumenthal Lazan spoke to Bloomington Junior High School about her experiences in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She and her husband, Nathaniel’s visit was paid for in part by Beyond the Books Educational Foundation.
Teacher Kathleen Irvin was moved by the experiences of Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan and made it the highlight of a cross-curricular program about World War II and the Holocaust. They also used Mrs. Lazan’s website www.fourperfectpebbles.com and the accompanying book. According to Irvin, ” Students have much more invested in the historical stories if they know that they are true stories written by everyday people, just like them.”
Although historical in nature, a large part of Mrs. Lazan’s message was one of tolerance and acceptance in today’s world. She encouraged students to welcome others who may be different, including new students. She also reminded them that an education should never be taken for granted. It is a gift, one that comes with responsibility.
Mrs. Lazan speaks to Bloomington Junior High School
