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Holocaust survivor, 79, gives last history talk
A holocaust survivor who has spoken to thousands of county pupils about his experiences in the Second World War concentration camps has given his last talk.
Josef Perl was in Kettering on Tuesday to speak to youngsters at Bishop Stopford School about the time he spent at camps including Auschwitz when he was a child.
He has spent the last 20 years visiting schools around the country, including across Northamptonshire, sharing his experiences with youngsters.
Mr Perl, 79, was born in Czechoslovakia into a Jewish family.
As a boy he witnessed the murder of his mother, four of his sisters and several other family members.
Head of history at the school Claire Godfrey said: "We've had Josef come into school for the last 10 years to speak to our pupils.
"We think it's really important for our pupils to learn about the camps and what happened.
"Josef was about nine and was there until the camps were liberated when he was about 15.
"He talked to the pupils about his time in the camps and the times he managed to escape while he was being transported between them.
"He told one story when there was a bomb and amid all the chaos and confusion he managed to escape, only to go back into the camp as he'd have been shot if caught."
This will be the last time that he visits the school as he is retiring from giving talks.
Pupils took part in several sessions on Tuesday, learning about the Holocaust before Mr Perl's talk.
There was also a service given by school chaplain Andrew Dutton.
Year 10 pupil Alex Caswell, 14, said: "It was really interesting and good to hear about it in person.
"I've seen documentaries on the television but to hear it first hand really makes a difference."
Pupil Eden Voller, 15, said: "Josef was really interesting to listen to.
"He told one story of when he spent four days in a packed train, waiting to be transferred to another camp, and there was no room to move or sit down."
Since the visit many of the Year 10 pupils have written thank you letters to Mr Perl, thanking him for his visit.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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