In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Long Beach High School hosted guest speaker Felice Katz for two assemblies on Jan. 27. Katz’s mother, Ethel, was born in Poland and was the sole survivor of her family during the horrific time in history. She subsequently published a memoir titled “Our Tomorrows Never Came,” sharing her experiences and lessons.

Prior to her passing in 2018, Ethel publicly told her story and worked to educate others about the Holocaust. She reached many through her involvement with the Kupferberg Holocaust Center at Queensborough Community College CUNY. Felice has since taken over the mission of telling her mother’s story. 

During her presentations to Long Beach High School sophomores, Felice shared photographs and described the ordeals that her family members endured. The orchestra concluded the programs with a performance of the theme song from Schindler’s List under the direction of teacher Nicole Albani. The musicians spent time learning about the Holocaust as they practiced this piece leading up to their winter concert. 

The Holocaust Center also provided the high school with an exhibit in the upper commons for students to view throughout the day.