On Wednesday, January 27, students of History, Religious Education and Citizenship from secondary schools across Wirral will travel to the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton to hear testimony from Holocaust survivor Joanna Millan as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The event will include a presentation from Wirral pupils who have recently visited Auschwitz.

Other Wirral students will make the statement of Commitment, whilst the Yahrtzeit candles are lit.

Joanna was born Bela Rosenthal in August 1942 in Berlin, Germany. In June 1943, she and her mother were taken from their home and sent to the Theresienstadt ghetto, where her mother contracted TB, leaving Bela alone in the camp.

After liberation Bela, along with five other orphans, was flown to England, where she was adopted by a Jewish couple living in London.

They decided it would be better for Bela to have a less German-sounding name – so it became Joanna.

Deputy Mayor Pat Hackett is delighted Wirral is commemorating of the Holocaust: “It is a privilege for us to welcome Joanna Millan to Wirral and her testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.

“We are grateful to the HET for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Joanna’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 MBE, chief executive of the HET added: “The Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor.

“Joanna’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing her testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.”

For further details, contact Marion Landor, RE Adviser to Wirral SACRE, (marion.elandorassociates@hotmail.com) 0151 708 5747.