Ramona Convent Sophomores Explore Holocaust Lessons of Tolerance and Hope at Museum of Tolerance

Ramona Convent Secondary School (RCSS) sophomores took a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. Theology classes have been learning about the relationship between Judaism and Catholicism and Ms. Herrera believed it was important to understand the relationship between both religions in a post-Holocaust world.

The visit to the museum was impactful for students and faculty chaperones as they learned immensely from knowledgeable tour guides, museum exhibits, and various stories that ranged from helping us understand atrocities to glimmers of light and heroism during the Holocaust.

Melanie M. ’27 shared the following reflection:

“Visiting the Museum of Tolerance deepened my understanding of the Holocaust in several ways. First, I learned about the extensive propaganda used by the Nazis to create a scapegoat in the Jewish population, portraying them as the source of Germany’s problems. This manipulation of public perception was crucial in fostering an environment of intolerance. Second, the museum highlighted the systemic nature of the genocide, showing how ordinary citizens participated in or turned a blind eye to the atrocities. This reinforced the importance of fostering tolerance and actively opposing hate to prevent history from repeating itself.”

To end the day at the museum they heard from a second-generation Holocaust survivor, Keren Perlmutter, Ph.D., who shares her father’s powerful story of surviving the Holocaust. She shared about the generosity of people who helped hide her father Avraham Perlmutter, Ph. D. during the Holocaust even though they were putting themselves in potential harm, Sophia C. ’27 reflected on this heroic act:

“I learned through the extreme tragedy of the Holocaust, people were still kind. After hearing the guest speaker, I realized that there was still hope throughout everything. While the numbers of the Holocaust were terrifying, there were still good people in the world who wanted to help.”

This story of hope was a great way to end their time at the Museum of Tolerance.

Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Rd., Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.