St Monica’s RC pupils hear story of Bury Holocaust Survivor
Ike Alterman, who turned 95 at the weekend, was welcomed by year 9 pupils at St Monicaâs RC High School as he shared his experiences of life in four concentration camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Ike recalled his life story including some heartbreaking experiences such as seeing his mother, sister and brother marched away by Nazi officers when he was 13 years old to never see them again.
This morning @stmonicas @STOC_CAT we had the privilege to listen to Ike Alterman’s story of his survival from Nazi Ghettos, Concentration Camps and Death Camps. It was an honour for all who witnessed Ike. Thanks also to Raphi Bloom @FED_Manchester for arranging. @BuryTimes pic.twitter.com/TBl8UoCM7N
â St. Monica’s RC High School History and Politics (@Hist_StMonicas) May 23, 2023
He is one of the few remaining survivors still alive to share his story, and despite his experiences, shared his optimism for the future, telling the pupils âthe future is in your hands, go out and do good to those less fortunate than youâ.
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History teacher, Tim Myerson, who helped organise the visit, said listening to Ikeâs story was the âhighlight of his 18-year teaching careerâ.
More Happy Birthday messages for the incredible Icek (Ike) Alterman on his 95th birthday.
He is pictured here with his Fed My Voice Storybook at his home in Manchester đ§Ąhttps://t.co/7FsGiPKmBa
Pic credit: @scirebroc@DovForman @yadvashemUK @yadvashem @AuschwitzMuseumâŚ
â The Fed (@FED_Manchester) May 21, 2023
Headteacher, Emma Keenan, added that: âIt was a truly amazing opportunity for the school community to experienceâ.
Ike answered questions from the pupils, who listened attentively before presenting him with a birthday cake to celebrate with a chorus of Happy Birthday. Â
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The event was organised by Jewish social care charity The Fed whose marketing director Raphi Bloom accompanied Ike on the visit, commenting that the pupils were âfantastic and a credit to the school.â
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Following the talk, a parent contacted the school to say their daughter came home from school “very moved” by Mr Altermanâs story, relaying all that was said as soon as she entered the house when normally they “canât get anything out of her for at least an hour”. Â
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