Holocaust survivor invited to speak at Brooklyn public school following initial rejection

"Sami Steigmann, 86, survived the Holocaust, but was rejected and silenced from speaking at MS 447 in Boerum Hill last month. But following public outcry, he will now visit the school on Feb. 5 to address students and tell his story of surviving a labor camp in Nazi Germany during World War ll. Brooklyn Council Member Inna Vernikov said Steigmann was even offered additional speaking engagements as a result of the backlash."

"Steigmann's supporters were shocked last month when Principal Arin Rusch denied a parent's request to have the survivor speak to the students at the middle school. Rusch responded to the request by saying Steigmann's presentation would not be right for the school given his messages around Israel and Palestine, according to an article in The Times of Israel. A spokesperson for NYC Public Schools confirmed the date."

Sami Steigmann, 86, is a Holocaust survivor who endured a labor camp in Nazi Germany during World War II. A parent's request for him to speak at MS 447 in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, was denied by Principal Arin Rusch, who said Steigmann's presentation would not be right for the school given his messages around Israel and Palestine. Public outcry followed the denial. City officials and Brooklyn Council Member Inna Vernikov intervened, and NYC Public Schools confirmed an invitation for Steigmann to address students on Feb. 5. Vernikov said Steigmann was offered additional speaking engagements. Steigmann expressed gratitude and emphasized responsibility to other survivors.

Read at www.amny.com