Last Tuesday, our school visited the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. As Jewish girls, this experience was significant for us. The story of the Holocaust is not just part of world history; it’s part of our mesorah, our family stories, and our identity as bnos Yisrael. Seeing the faces, names, and personal belongings of yidden who were taken from this world made it feel personal, and it reminded us of the achrayus we have to keep their memories alive.
We began the visit by watching a video that gave an overview of Jewish life in Europe before the war, the frightening rise of Nazi persecution, and finally, the incredible moments of liberation when the camps were freed. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring to see how vibrant Jewish life was before it was nearly destroyed, and how survivors clung to their emunah even in the darkest times.
Throughout the museum, we walked through powerful exhibits telling the history of the Holocaust, from the rise of antisemitism to the horrors of ghettos, concentration camps, and death marches. We saw photographs, sifrei kodesh, and video testimonies from survivors who lived through unimaginable horrors. Each display reminded us of the gevurah and strength of those who held on to their Yiddishkeit no matter what.
One of the most emotional moments was standing inside a preserved boxcar, the same kind used by the Nazis to transport yidden to concentration camps. Being in that space made the history feel heartbreakingly honest and gave us a sense of the terrifying conditions our people had to endure.
Another important takeaway from our visit was learning about the importance of being an upstander – someone who doesn’t stay silent in the face of evil. The museum emphasized that even small acts of kindness, courage, and standing up for what’s right can change lives. As bnos Torah, we were reminded of our responsibility to stand up against antisemitism, bullying, and injustice in our own lives.
Our visit to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum was a powerful reminder of why we observe Yom HaShoah: to be mezakeh the neshamos of those we lost, to strengthen our emunah, and to commit ourselves to being or lagoyim, a light unto the nations. May the memories of the kedoshim be a bracha for Klal Yisrael, and may we continue to tell their stories l’dor v’dor. ■
Tali Grossman
10th Grade, Mesorah High School for Girls
