Dear Giant Families,
This week our community came together to observe Genocide Commemoration Day on April 15th. It was an opportunity to honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and upstanders of genocides throughout history. I want to thank Mrs. Lindsey Meyer, Mr. Joe Brysiewicz, and all the student leaders of Education for Remembrance for planning such a meaningful day.
We were privileged to hear powerful and moving stories that underscored the importance of resilience, healing, hope, and our collective responsibility to stand against hate in any form.
In the morning we heard from Mr. Kizito D. Kalima, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He shared his personal journey of survival, marked by unimaginable loss and incredible strength. His story, from enduring dehumanization as a child to surviving a horrific massacre and finding refuge through basketball, ultimately led him to the United States. Today, Kizito is the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, a public speaker, and an advocate for genocide survivors.
We were also honored to hear from Dr. Raab, who paid tribute to his mother's survival of the Holocaust. He shared videos that highlighted powerful stories of resilience and survival from that era. His story paid homage to his mother’s strength and longevity.
These personal narratives served as profound lessons in the human capacity to endure and the vital need for remembrance. We hope that these experiences have provided valuable insights for our students and reinforced the importance of empathy, understanding, and our shared commitment to creating a better world.
Thank you for sharing your students with us today and beyond!
Holly
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