This month, BU History and Politics students were invited to attend an inspiring guest speaker session organised by Dr David McQueen, Senior Lecturer in Media & Politics.
Collaborating with the Holocaust Education Trust, the talk gave students the opportunity to hear from Tomi Komoly, a Hungarian-born Jewish survivor of the Nazi genocide during World War II, who spoke about his experiences.
David said: 鈥淲e were very privileged to welcome聽Tomi, whose father was arrested by the authorities in Budapest and never seen again. We heard his story of going into hiding with his mother聽in 1944 and then escaping the ghetto just before Christmas聽1944.鈥�
In a Q&A session, students asked questions about the representation of the holocaust in film and television. Tomi highlighted the importance of educating the next generation. He聽said: 鈥淭hrough recreations of history audiences have the opportunity to contemplate the truth and evidence.鈥�
When student Chloe enquired further into the benefit of such representation, Tomi explained: 鈥淚n some instances, media can do damage. There鈥檚 no room to romanticise storylines, and when this is done, it is no longer educational for the audience, this is not a way to teach the Holocaust.
鈥淎s a survivor, as one of the lucky ones, I see it as my duty to keep talking about my experiences. I will always talk about the truth otherwise I should not have survived."
One student asked if there are misconceptions about the Holocaust that still need to be challenged. While another in attendance asked Tomi: 鈥淒o the present and growing far-right political groups throughout Europe worry you?鈥�
David comments: 鈥淚t was a fascinating talk, a unique experience to hear Tomi鈥檚 testimony in-person.鈥�
The session was continued with a further discussion between themselves about their thoughts. One student said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been so impactful. I feel privileged to be educated further. It鈥檚 motivated me to pass this on to the next generation, to echo the magnitude and impact of the Holocaust.鈥�
Another added: 鈥淚t makes me question how far we鈥檝e come. Do the post-war events of anti-Semitism continue today throughout the world? Are these still problems of today?鈥�
Find out more about studying BA (Hons) History or BA (Hons) Politics via their course pages or sign up to an open day to hear more in person.
