Students in grades 9-12 attended a Holocaust presentation on Wednesday by Leah Goldberg from 3GNY, an educational non-profit organization founded by grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.

Leah told the story of her Jewish Nagymama (grandmother), Susy Raful, who grew up in Hungary during the Holocaust and was forced into a concentration camp when the Nazis took over the country during World War Il.

Despite serious health concerns from tuberculosis, Susy made it out of the concentration camp alive and ended up marrying a soldier from the U.S. The couple lived well into their 90s.

One of the most powerful takeaways for students was the realization of how quickly hatred and Nazi persecution diminished the quality of life for Susy’s family. A short video recording of her recounting that “it started with just words” resonated deeply with many of them.

Despite the persecution she endured and its lasting effects, Susy remained a powerful example of perseverance, strength and hope. She strongly rejected the casual use of the word “hate,” pledging never to use it herself and urging her children, grandchildren and everyone who heard her story to recognize the danger of hatred. 

As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, Leah brought a deeply personal perspective to this history, helping students connect with the human experiences behind the facts and dates they study in class. By sharing her grandmother’s story through the lens of family memory, she offered students a powerful reminder that the Holocaust is not just a chapter in history, but a lived experience whose lessons continue to be carried forward by future generations.

Following the presentation, students in Mrs. Pindar’s history class got the opportunity to attend a Q&A session with Leah to learn more about her Nagymama’s story of survival throughout the Holocaust.

Cooperstown High School thanks Leah and 3GNY for providing this valuable presentation to our 9-12 grade students.