Teachers working in Tolerance Development Centres gathered together in the south west of Lithuania, in Kalvarija on November 4-5th. A two-day seminar “History in the Eyes of Witnesses“ dealt with several topics: one aspect was how to approach witnesses‘ reports in history lessons. Another point was the presentation of a teaching tool for teachers “Stories from the Past“ this material embodies stories of rescuing Jews in Lithuania during WWII.
There was the Holocaust survivor Meiske Segal in the event, as well. He shared his life story with all participants and answered teachers‘ questions.
Teachers were not only listening, but they also participated in the workshop “Teaching the Holocaust Through the Photos“ introduced by the Holocaust Museum in Washington.
On the second day, teachers were introduced with Jews‘ history in Kalvarija. A numerous Jewish community used to live in the main streets of the town, they owned shops and small trade enterprises.
There used to be a two synagogues‘ complex, unfortunately, as the participants of the seminar remarked that the unique cultural monument was abandoned and almost ruined. Teachers also visited the old Jewish cemetery as well as the killing sight next to lake Orija. After that all participants went to Marijampole where they were introduced with the history Jewish life and massacre during the Holocaust.