Testimonials
Having taught for over forty years, I have attended almost as many school assemblies commemorating the Holocaust. This was different — invigorating, provocative, and moving.
The way Steve told Abe’s story had a profound effect on me as well as the students, giving us a path to understand the meaning of Yom HaShoah in a special way. The next morning, students in my classes wanted to keep talking about it.
Particularly considering the ever-increasing distance between young people and the Holocaust, I wish that as many students as possible have the opportunity to hear Steve tell Abe’s story. He makes a difference.
Peter Warren
High School History Teacher
The Park School
Baltimore, MD
Your presentation on the life of Abe Piasek will undoubtedly be the most memorable class of the semester for me and my students. Your recordings of Abe in his own words and your obvious heartfelt connection to him as a man of incredible courage and warmth made his life feel palpably real for us. Talking about the Holocaust is always a challenge due to the immense horror of the event and the way it is beginning to feel further away, but you managed to bring Abe’s experience — and his humor and joi de vivre — into our class and our hearts. You didn’t shy away from the difficult topics — the trauma that Abe carried with him his entire life — but due to Abe’s wisdom, his story is also one of mental fortitude and ultimately, of freedom. I can’t thank you enough.
Shahar Link,
High School History Teacher
Insight Co-Learning Center
Durham, NC
Hearing the stories about Abe’s life during the assembly was moving, and I was so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet again [at an optional follow-up session the next evening] and further the discussion. I am especially grateful that Steve told Abe’s story in a humanizing way where we got to deeply understand Abe’s courage despite the atrocities he faced. Oftentimes we just learn the Holocaust in history classes, and that does not allow us to fully wrap our head around this terrible event and understand the intimate details, but hearing it from the perspective of a survivor brings out so many emotions. Many difficult, and hard to grasp, but some uplifting. Steve, I praise you for continuing to tell Abe’s story because it is so important that these stories are known.
Julia Baran,
High School Senior
The Park School
Baltimore, MD
“The way Steve presents Abe’s story gave me chills. We are read novels about this time in history, but hearing it from someone who survived it changes the way you think about the events. Steve does a wonderful job retelling the stories and the stories need to continue to be shared.”
Allie Vogrig,
audience member for a
“My Friend Abe” talk
Nashville, TN