During the year 1938 in Nuremberg, Germany, Hannah Holsen was born. In her early years, Hannah lived a relatively usual life with her family. What Hannah did not know was that her life would change permanently in just a short matter of time. On Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass, the Nazi party destroyed everything. Hannah’s family lost most items they owned, members of the Nazi party destroyed items within their house, and even urinated in their home. Hannah was around 6 or 7 years old at the time, and was not fully aware of the discrimination and horrors she would face. Shortly after, her family and siblings were rounded up and placed into an overnight jail. The very next morning was the start of a long, treacherous journey for Hannah. Over this two year time period, Hannah fled from the Nazis, moved all around Europe, and was constantly hidden by smugglers, farmers, and more. Her story is filled with moments of unimaginable luck that makes readers ponder how Hannah survived.

Fortunately for students of Pelham Middle School, there is a unit discussing the events of the Holocaust, and visitors come to visit each year. This year, there were two visitors in total, Hannah Holsten and Sammi Steigmann. Hannah’s visit had a large impact on students, and made them reflect. During her visit, Hannah described the terrors she felt when she was young and endangered. For example, Hannah described having to hide in the attic of a farmer’s house. In this attic, Hannah was not allowed to speak or move, and she had minimal food. Another incredible event Hannah described that shows her luck, was when she and her family were moving while hiding under hay. The Nazi party was looking for Hannah’s family, and her location had to be kept secret for her safety. While hiding under hay, a Nazi member stopped the farmer in the vehicle ordering the vehicle to be searched. One of the areas searched was where Hannah and her family were hiding, and by a miracle, they were not discovered. Students were able to take away many messages from Hannah’s visit. 

The concept of education about the Holocaust was arguably the most important lesson taught by Hannah. During the speech, Hannah stressed how important it is for one to be fully aware about the Holocaust, so discrimination and hatred of groups of people can be selected. To conclude, Hannah was a very informative woman who spread her intelligence and experience about the Holocaust to Pelham students.