![Holocaust survivor speaks to 8th graders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743535531/pelhamschoolsorg/jlsjpcc1bjpd9wctwbr9/HolocaustSpeaker2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743535531/pelhamschoolsorg/jlsjpcc1bjpd9wctwbr9/HolocaustSpeaker2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743535531/pelhamschoolsorg/jlsjpcc1bjpd9wctwbr9/HolocaustSpeaker2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1743535531/pelhamschoolsorg/jlsjpcc1bjpd9wctwbr9/HolocaustSpeaker2025.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743535531/pelhamschoolsorg/jlsjpcc1bjpd9wctwbr9/HolocaustSpeaker2025.jpg","width":1278}])
Born in 1939 in what was then Romania (now Ukraine), Sami was sent with his parents to a labor camp in Transnistria when he was just a toddler. Being too young to work, he was subjected to Nazi medical experiments, the effects of which he still experiences today. During his time in the camp, Sami nearly died of starvation but was saved by a courageous German woman who risked her own family's safety to bring him milk. After the war, despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Sami persevered. Today, he lives in New York City and dedicates himself to sharing his story with young people.
What made Mr. Steigmann's visit especially meaningful was his message of hope and resilience. As he told our students, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to be." This powerful statement resonated deeply with our 8th graders, who had thoughtful questions and showed tremendous respect during his presentation.
We are grateful to Mr. Steigmann for sharing his experiences and for helping our students connect with history in such a personal and impactful way.
