Holocaust survivors share their stories with schoolchildren on Long Island

Six Holocaust survivors visited Connolly Elementary School on Long Island to share their stories with students in the fifth grade.

Among them was Sally Birnbaum, 96, who spoke about dinners of watery soup and a piece of bread in Germany. She lost her parents and six siblings during the Holocaust. She was the sole survivor.

"I remember the last time when we said goodbye to my parents," she said. "I went through four concentration camps."

Ruth Meador was only 4 when Hitler and his Nazi Party took over. 

"Last time I saw my mother was when I was 7 years old and she decided to put me on the Kindertransport," Meador said. "Tight after that, she was in the first of four concentration camps and I never saw her again."

The youngest survivors were in their mid- to late 70s with most were in their 80s and 90s.

The students learned about the importance of the Holocaust by writing letters to them and quietly listening to what each one went through.

About 40,000 Holocaust survivors live in the greater New York area, according to the UJA Federation. This staggering statistic makes their stories even more important to hear.

"If this happens again, lots of people's lives will be lost and that will be violating the first human right, the right to live," said one student.

Through the sorrow, survivors tried to remember the good and how fortunate they are when so many lost their lives. Together, they hoped that by sharing their experiences with younger generations, history will not repeat itself.