More than 150 students in grades 10-12 had the unique opportunity to learn in depth about a harrowing time in history from a survivor with firsthand knowledge.
Seated on a chair in the center of the stage in the auditorium at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School, Mr. Ivan Ramos calmly spoke into a microphone recounting the story of his early years growing up in Budapest, Hungary and his escape from almost certain death under the Nazi regime.
The students sat silently — captivated by the moving recollection of the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor’s experiences during World War II. Mr. Ramos was born in March 1938 in Budapest — a city known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse community — at around the same time Nazi Germany was invading Austria, which borders Hungary to the west. His family believed that their long-established community connections would keep them from harm. It became increasingly clear that their safety was at risk after Ivan’s father was forced into a work service battalion for the Hungarian Army and died due either to the severe labor conditions or was killed by the Russians or at hands of Hungarian soldiers. Ivan’s grandfather — a decorated World War I veteran — was nearly beaten to death after being accused of selling military information to the enemy.
Knowing she had to act, his mother fled Budapest with Ivan in tow and they made their way to the Hungarian countryside where they were able to evade capture for a time. Later when the Hungarian government, allied with Germany, began rounding up Jewish and other targeted people in the rural area, Ivan and his mother returned on foot to Budapest and found refuge in a “safe” house established under the Swedish flag (a neutral country). That protected space, too, was eventually raided. As the inhabitants stood in line awaiting their fate — either be killed or begin the death march to a concentration camp — Ivan’s mother made a bold move. Grabbing her son by the arm, she ran into the crowd of onlookers. In the chaos, they managed to escape and spent the winter months hiding in burned out buildings to evade the Nazis who were now occupying Hungary. In 1945, Soviet troops — as part of the Allied Forces — liberated Hungary from the Nazis.
Long-time social studies teacher Scott Emerson thanked Mr. Vamos for sharing his personal experience to help students better understand one of the darkest chapters in human history.
“Words are not enough to thank Mr. Vamos for sharing his story as a Holocaust Survivor, and for telling us about his life prior to, and after those fateful events,” Mr. Emerson said.
At the conclusion of the presentation, students had an opportunity to ask Mr. Vamos questions and explore the pictures and artifacts he had brought with him.
The students were moved by the survivor’s courage and determination to ensure that future generations learn from the atrocities of the past. Mr. Vamos encouraged students to stand against injustice in all its forms, reinforcing the need for awareness and action in combating prejudice. Students and staff left the auditorium inspired by his story about the power of family, courage, and determination.
Special thanks to Diane Freer from the Holocaust Survivors and Friends Education Center for helping to coordinate Mr. Vamos’ visit and presentation to Watervliet High School students.
