The University of Michigan Hillel’s annual Conference on the Holocaust (COTH) luncheon took place last month and was an incredible chance for students to meet survivors and listen to them talk about their first-hand experiences. The survivors joined the students for a delicious brunch, sharing plates of bagels and tuna salad and began to recount their experiences during the Holocaust, telling personal stories and memories. Students had an opportunity to ask the survivors questions in order to learn more about their past.

One student described how the luncheon “really opened [her] eyes to how fortunate [she was] and how tragic such an event was.” She continued to explain the importance of the event since this generation is the last that will know survivors. The COTH executive board hoped that by arranging this luncheon, students would remember the survivors’ stories and continue to share them with future generations.

The majority of the event involved group discussions, where survivors and relatives of survivors engaged directly with the students. In addition, the survivors were treated to an amazing performance by the campus’ Jewish A cappella group, Kol HaKavod. Overall, the event was truly inspiring; students left Hillel feeling touched by the strength and the will of the survivors. Through this yearly luncheon, COTH has inspired and motivated students about the importance of the statement, “never forget.”