Students felt a direct connection with wartime atrocities at Shawnigan's Holocaust and Genocide Symposium on Friday.

After a brief welcome and introductions, Dr. Jay Eidelman gave the audience some historical context with a broad presentation about the "Jewish question" and the "Final Solution." The event continued with a visceral documentary about the genocide, followed by a quick break and a chance to wander through the standing displays while sampling some of Rebecca Teitelbaum's famous Orange Cake.

Robbie Waisman then took the stage to share the story of his internment at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Telling students that "death was my constant companion," Waisman spoke about his own survival as well as the murders of those closest to him. Engaged and provoked by his words, the audience asked an array of questions about the humanity and inhumanity of the period, culminating in a message of compassion, forgiveness, and love.

– Jon Zacks