Holocaust Guest Speaker Renee Rieder Siegel speaks to 20th Century World History Class

While studying the Holocaust, Jackie Scully’s 20th Century World History class was visited by Renee Rieder Siegel on February 23. Renee has presented to the 20th Century World History class for the past few years. 

During her visit, Siegel spoke about her mother’s journey as a Holocaust survivor. Her mother, Helen, grew up in Czechoslovakia as a young girl and, by her teenage years, was put into a ghetto followed by multiple concentration camps including Auschwitz. She grew up in a large family, and only had one sibling survive. After the camp was liberated, Helen emigrated to America with her husband whom she met in Israel. The couple had two children and Renee, who they named for the French word meaning reborn, continues to tell her mother’s story following her passing. 

Siegel ended her presentation with a focus on the themes of her mother’s life – resilience and rebirth. She noted that through everything her mother experienced while surviving the Holocaust, she made a point of remembering those who were kind to her even in times of great horror. “It was a powerful presentation and message,” said Jackie. 

Some students provided feedback: 

“I enjoyed both hearing Renee speaking live and her mother speaking through videos. The first-hand account and overviews flowed really nicely together. I also enjoyed hearing the quotes from Renee’s mother that Renee echoed in her overviews. They emphasize her feelings and the extent of the inhumane treatment.”

“It really did feel like her mother was here speaking through Renee.”