Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, a moment to commemorate the deadliest period of the 20th Century. Adam Stark, Teacher of RS, and two of his Year 9 tutees, Dylan and Otis, summarised the causes and effects of the Holocaust at our Senior School assembly this week.

“Remembering this history helps us to safeguard democracy since it reminds us not to idly and uncritically accept the socio-political ideas of those in positions of power, influence and control – and is what makes Holocaust Memorial Day so important,” said Adam.

The assembly explored the Anglo-American roots of eugenics and spoke of the industrial scale of misery endured by the victims in Auschwitz-Birkenau, above all that suffered by Jews.“Needless to say, it was not a typical Monday morning in the Johnson Centre,” said Adam. “Yet, the audience were brave and clearly understood and respected the gravity of the event.”

Students were encouraged to reflect upon the intangible and systemic nature of oppression and to be vigilant against it. To this end, the philosopher Marilyn Frye’s birdcage metaphor was read to the audience, which emphasises the importance of not rushing to conclusions, of being reflective of others’ experiences.

“Dylan and Otis presented with a delicate balance of maturity, professionalism and sensitivity,” said Adam. “Their message was clear: ‘the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing…so don’t do nothing’. I was one among many at the assembly who felt exceedingly proud to be a part of the Seaford College community.”

In this video, you can hear Otis and Dylan's powerful messages about the Holocaust and the video ends with Adam reading Marilyn Frye’s birdcage metaphor: