IT is a key part of recent history.
And now schools in Huddersfield have become involved in a project to learn more about the Holocaust.
Successive British governments have pledged their support for an educational programme which teaches youngsters about the horrors of the Holocaust.
The Holocaust Educational Trust was established in 1988 to educate young people from every ethnic background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today.
HET works in schools, universities and in the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust.
It provides teacher training, an Outreach Programme for schools, teaching aids and resource materials.
Among its earliest achievements was ensuring that the Holocaust formed part of the National Curriculum for history.
HET also played a crucial role in the establishment of Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 each year.
This date was chosen because on this date in 1945 the largest Nazi killing camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated.
Honley High School became the latest to join the project this week when they welcomed Holocaust survivor Rudi Oppenheimer.
Mr Oppenheimer, from the Holocaust Educational Trust, met more than 250 of the school’s Year 9 students.
They listened to his testimony and then asked questions and answers to explore the emotive subject in more depth.
The visit was part of the Trust’s all year Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the UK.
Dr Dylan Murphy, a history teacher at Honley High School, said: “It was a privilege for us to welcome Rudi Oppenheimer to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.
“We hope that by hearing Rudi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added: “There can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor.
“Rudi’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn whereŠ prejudice and racism Šcan ultimately lead.