The lessons of the Holocaust figure prominently in FSWC’s education programs that promote the principles of inclusion, social justice and democratic values. In addition to the important historical facts behind Nazi Germany’s murder of six million Jews, we bring this dark chapter to life through the Holocaust survivor testimonies of those who, against all odds, survived the genocide.
Since the inception of FSWC, Holocaust survivors have discussed the horrors of concentration camps at our educational workshops and events. We are deeply grateful for their participation and for their strength in sharing their difficult personal journeys with young people, with the hope it will help prevent such a horrific tragedy in the future.
We are honoured to introduce you to some of the incredible men and women who have given so much of their time to contribute greatly to Holocaust education in Canada. The short summaries below and accompanying videos offer only a brief glimpse into the lived experience of antisemitism and trauma each of these people endured in their younger years duirng Holocaust.
Sadly, with the number of survivors constantly diminishing, the day is fast approaching when there won’t be anyone left who can give first-hand testimony of the excruciating reality Jews faced under the Nazis. All the more reason it is imperative to forever preserve and revisit these stories as part of the legacy of survivors.
Elly Gotz's
Story
The Holocaust in Lithuania
Elly (Lasar) Gotz was an only child and only grandchild. His father worked in a bank and his mother was a nurse. As a child, Elly attended a secular, Yiddish-language school. He describes his pre-war life as normal and pleasant, with a loving family who cared for him without spoiling him. Things changed for Elly when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941.
Pre-War Jewish Life
Elly (Lasar) Gotz was an only child and only grandchild. His father worked in a bank and his mother was a nurse. As a child, Elly attended a secular, Yiddish‑language school. He describes his pre‑war life as normal and pleasant, with a loving family who cared for him without spoiling him. Things changed for Elly when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941.
Timeline of Key Events in Max’s Life
March 8th, 1928- Elly is born in Kovno (Kaunas), Lithuania.
September 1st, 1939- The Second World War begins with the Nazi invasion of Poland.
June 22nd, 1941: Nazi Germany invades Lithuania as part of Operation Barbarossa.
June 1941- Elly and his family are forced into the Kaunas (Kovno) Ghetto.
October 29th, 1941: Elly and his family survive selection prior to the Kaunas Massacre,known as the Great Action, when over 9000 Jews are murdered by the SS at the city’sNinth Fort.
Summer 1944: The Kaunas Ghetto is liquidated; discovered in their hiding place, Ellyand his father are deported to Dachau concentration camp, while his mother is sentto Stutthof concentration camp.
April 29th, 1945: Elly and his father are liberated; they are hospitalised for 9 monthsand discover his mother has also survived. The family move to Landsberg DisplacedPersons camp in Germany.
Spring 1947: Elly and his family immigrate to Norway.
Late 1947: Elly and his family immigrate to Zimbabwe.
1964: Elly and his wife Esme immigrate to Canada with their three children.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- How does it feel to hear someone share their direct memories from this time in history? How is it different from reading a book written by a historian or reading about it online?
- Did you learn any new information about the Holocaust from Elly’s testimony? Were there any details that supported info you already know?
- Why do you think Elly chooses to speak publicly about his experiences during the Holocaust? Do you think it takes an emotional toll to share these memories?
- Now that more than 80 years has past since the end of the Holocaust, many students won’t have the opportunity to meet living witnesses directly. Why is this video and others like it important for the future of Holocaust remembrance?
- After watching Elly’s video, what questions are you left with? What would you ask her if you could?
Activity Suggestions
1. Mapping Elly’s journey
- Using historical maps of Europe, trace Elly’s path from Kaunas (Kovno) to Canada
- On the map, identify locations such as the ghetto, the concentration camp, the DP camp, and the countries where Elly lived after the war
- (Optional) as a class or in groups, discuss what each location meant to Elly and his experiences during and after the Holocaust.
2. Research Project
- Use reputable sources (either trusted websites or peer-reviewed books/articles) write or discuss the following questions:
- What can you find about the history of Jews in Lithuania before the Holocaust?
- What is the Jewish population like in Lithuania today? How does this compare with the number before 1939?
- Where did the survivors go?
- Does antisemitism still exist in Lithuania today?
- Does the government in Lithuania promote/support Holocaust education?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Copyright © FSWC. All Rights Reserved.
