The event was organized by the association Zeugen der Zeitzeugen e.V. (Witnesses of Contemporary History) in collaboration with Schloss School teacher Andrea Scheibel. As part of our school's contemporary history project, she gave an impressive account of her life story—a story of persecution and loss, but also of courage, humanity, and the will to bear witness.
The students listened attentively as Ms. Michel recounted how she survived the horrors of the Nazi era as a child. Her words brought history to life: dates and chapters became personal memories, feelings, and faces. Many of our young people were deeply moved – some described afterwards that they now “not only know, but also feel” what happened.
Ms. Michel made an urgent appeal to take responsibility – for humanity, tolerance, and the protection of democracy. Her message: “It is up to you to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
For our school community, this lecture was a very special moment of pause and reflection. It fits in with our self-image of educating young people not only cognitively, but also in terms of values. For us, the culture of remembrance is a central component of school work – so that knowledge becomes attitude.
