Holocaust survivor visits DHPS
National Socialism and World War II, the destruction of democracy, the Holocaust, crimes against humanity – grade 12 learners of the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) are aware of the atrocities of the Third Reich and the influence it had on world politics. However, it is difficult for the young learners to put themselves into the position of a Jew growing up in a divided Germany.The Abitur learners recently had the chance to listen to Marianne Degginger, who was a witness of the Nazi era and who shared with them her personal impressions of that time. Degginger, born to a Jewish mother in 1932, survived the Third Reich in Germany. She shared with the learners how many of her relatives fled or lost their lives in concentration camps, and how she felt as an outsider as a half-Jew. She told of her experiences before, during and after the Second World War.
Touched by what she told them, the learners suddenly found themselves very close to the history she lived, and asked many questions which Degginger answered in detail and very honestly.
Sensitive issues, such as the question of guilt and responsibility, were also discussed. The young adults and the sympathetic elderly lady agreed: Today's youth cannot be blamed for the terrible things that happened, but it is in their hands to prevent something like this from ever happening again.
“Ms Degginger's visit was very interesting and enlightening. For us, her neutrality was surprising. She did not blame anyone for the Second World War,” DHPS Abitur learner Cora Starke said.
History teacher Andreas Robisch, who initiated the visit, is incredibly grateful that his students could participate in this unique opportunity.