Pupils at a Prestwich High School welcomed a 95-year-old holocaust survivor to their school this week to hear his remarkable life story.
Ike Alterman, who turned 95 at the weekend, was welcomed by year 9 pupils at St Monica’s RC High School as he shared his experiences of life in four concentration camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Ike recalled his life story including some heartbreaking experiences such as seeing his mother, sister and brother marched away by Nazi officers when he was 13 years old to never see them again.
This morning @stmonicas @STOC_CAT we had the privilege to listen to Ike Alterman's story of his survival from Nazi Ghettos, Concentration Camps and Death Camps. It was an honour for all who witnessed Ike. Thanks also to Raphi Bloom @FED_Manchester for arranging. @BuryTimes pic.twitter.com/TBl8UoCM7N
— St. Monica's RC High School History and Politics (@Hist_StMonicas) May 23, 2023
He is one of the few remaining survivors still alive to share his story, and despite his experiences, shared his optimism for the future, telling the pupils “the future is in your hands, go out and do good to those less fortunate than you”.
Residents say ‘No’ to second 5G mast application at war memorial
History teacher, Tim Myerson, who helped organise the visit, said listening to Ike’s story was the “highlight of his 18-year teaching career”.
More Happy Birthday messages for the incredible Icek (Ike) Alterman on his 95th birthday.
— The Fed (@FED_Manchester) May 21, 2023
He is pictured here with his Fed My Voice Storybook at his home in Manchester 🧡https://t.co/7FsGiPKmBa
Pic credit: @scirebroc@DovForman @yadvashemUK @yadvashem @AuschwitzMuseum… https://t.co/bedKFFjsOg
Headteacher, Emma Keenan, added that: “It was a truly amazing opportunity for the school community to experience”.
Ike answered questions from the pupils, who listened attentively before presenting him with a birthday cake to celebrate with a chorus of Happy Birthday.
Whitefield Holocaust survivor has school building named after him
The event was organised by Jewish social care charity The Fed whose marketing director Raphi Bloom accompanied Ike on the visit, commenting that the pupils were “fantastic and a credit to the school.”
Whitefield Holocaust survivor's story put in Yad Vashem
Following the talk, a parent contacted the school to say their daughter came home from school "very moved" by Mr Alterman’s story, relaying all that was said as soon as she entered the house when normally they "can’t get anything out of her for at least an hour".
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here