“One thing that stood out to me was the role everyone played. If one person decided to not help them, would they ever be saved? The idea of one little thing goes a long way is awesome,” shared a Wellwood student.
Wellwood Middle School recently welcomed a guest speaker in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed each year on Jan. 27. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon introduced Dave Reckess, the Executive Director of 3GNY, an educational nonprofit founded by grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.
Reckess shared a personal story of resilience, courage, and hope. He spoke about his grandmother, Sarah Tuller or Bubi Sarah, placing her experiences within the broader context of the Holocaust.
The presentation connects directly to lessons being carried out in eighth-grade Social Studies and English Language Arts classrooms.
“Students are reading books about people who made a difference while facing injustice. Each text focuses on moments of oppression throughout history and the individuals who stood up in response,” shared ELA teacher Kendra Myers. “Students are introduced to the global impact of World War II, including an overview of the atrocities committed against millions of people during the Holocaust.”
Students were asked to reflect on a moment from Reckess’ talk or from their class readings that resonated with them.
“It was amazing how many people kept helping her and her family when it would’ve been so easy to turn them in,” one student wrote. “His grandmother held on to small amounts of hope during a horrible time in her life. It’s something you won’t forget.”
Another student reflected on the risks Bubi Sarah took to preserve joy and humanity.
“What resonated most with me were the dance parties in the ghetto. It was extremely dangerous, and people were taken away every day. I couldn’t imagine the pain and sorrow she and so many others felt.”
Students were especially moved by Bubi Sarah’s resilience.
“I noticed how she never let go of hope, even when most people wouldn’t or couldn’t,” one student shared. “It took so much strength to survive devastation and still hold on to the will to live.”
For some students, the story felt deeply personal.
“I can connect to this story because she is Jewish and so am I,” one student wrote. “I thought it was incredibly brave that she snuck out to dance with her friends, knowing the danger. I’m really glad Mr. Reckess shared her story and showed videos of her speaking. It’s an important story to remember.”
Bubi Sarah chronicled her experiences into a 70-page manuscript. It is preserved in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.