On January 27, 2025, the international Holocaust Remembrance Day, the English AP class of the 11th grade (Mrs. Weiland) had the opportunity to take part in a special workshop. The excursion was organized by the Kreuzberger Initiative gegen Antisemitismus (KIgA)
A key part of the workshop was the watching of ˋˋA Pocketful of Miracles ´´, a documentary by director Aviva Kempner. The film tells the story of her mother (Hanka Ciesla), and her uncle, (Dudek Ciesla), who survived the Nazi regime. The two siblings were from Poland and were separated during the Holocaust. Dudek was deported to a concentration camp together with his father, while Hanka managed to build a new identity and pass as a non-Jewish Polish citizen. Through her courage and intelligence, she not only survived but also helped prisoners in the concentration camp by secretly giving them apples. Unlike his father, Dudek survived the camp, and not only that, he even escaped. Shortly afterward, he was taken in by American soldiers and helped liberate concentration camps.
After the war, the siblings found each other again after years of separation. Despite everything they had been through, they were able to build fulfilling lives in the US and Dudek in particular, became very successful. The film left a deep impression on all of us. Not only because of the emotional story but also because both siblings told their experiences with remarkable ease, even though the topic is so heavy.
After the documentary we had the big opportunity to talk to the director, Aviva Kempner through FaceTime. Although the big time difference (she lives in the US) she got up at 6 AM to answer our questions. The discussion was a quite interesting experience for all of us.
Even though the BVG was on strike that day many students still found a way to attend, showing how important this topic is for all of us. This workshop will certainly leave a lasting Impression on us.