On Wednesday, March 5, Grade 7 students had a profound educational opportunity to visit the Royal Ontario Museum and explore the internationally touring exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. through an hour-long audio-guided tour.
Survivor testimonials, historical documentation, and first-hand accounts by liberating forces helped students to create a powerful connection to the exhibition's more than 500 original artifacts — many of which have never been seen before in Canada — on loan from the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum in Poland and from private collections around the world.
This powerful exhibition arrived in Toronto just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025, and is making its only Canadian stop at the ROM. The exhibit explores the dual identity of the Auschwitz camp as a physical setting — the largest documented mass murder site in human history — and as a symbol of the manifestation of hatred and human atrocity.
Having recently completed a comprehensive Holocaust education unit in their Grade 7 English class, students were given a unique opportunity to connect with living history, reflect on their learning, deepen their understanding of World War II, the Holocaust, and the dangers of prejudice, racism, and discrimination, and consider their role in creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Education plays a vital role in identifying bias in all forms and fostering greater social cohesion. By engaging with original objects and survivor testimonies, students were able to connect history to human experiences. This immersive approach helps to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to social justice.
As a result, the ROM offered free admission to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. for Grade 6-12 students in order to support access and opportunities for enhanced education about the significance of the Holocaust.
Our Grade 7 students were fortunate to be given this opportunity to extend their learning by focusing on the importance of historical inquiry, ethical citizenship, and global awareness.
