A WINCHESTER college was visited by a Holocaust survivor last week.

Peter Symonds students welcomed Susan Pollack to speak about her experiences during the Second World War.

The visit was organised as part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach Programme, which uses the testimony of survivors to educate young people about the horrors of genocide.

Susan told students about her childhood in Hungary and her experiences in a Jewish ghetto at Auschwitz, in a forced labour camp, and on the death march to Bergen-Belsen, from where she was liberated in April 1945.

After liberation, Susan pursued a career as a librarian, got a degree at 60 years old and spent more than a decade volunteering for charity The Samaritans.

She has been speaking about her experiences for over 30 years.

Susan’s testimony was followed by a question and answer session.

On the importance of educating young people on the Holocaust, Susan said: “It’s not an easy life afterwards.

“It’s hard to talk about it, but if one can make a tiny dent in racist beliefs it’s perhaps an achievement.

“We have to confront the issue. We need each other to listen.

“Hate propaganda has the power to destroy people and we need decency, good will and moral standing to stand up and warn others of the dangers.

“Hate destroys not only the minority group but all of us.

“Sometimes no tears will be enough but I try to balance it with the gift of life and the opportunity to make a better world for all of us.

“Caring and compassion, helping others is a very enriching feeling. It’s a good life, it is a gift, and we’ve got to make the most of it.”

Reflecting on Susan’s testimony, students described her as “incredibly strong”.

One student said: “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to hear testimony from someone who experienced it.”