For Fulton Student, Holocaust Simulation Taught Vital Lessons

* I am a student who participated in the Holocaust simulation at Fulton Middle School. I am responding to your June 1 story “Just a Number.”

First of all, the students involved in the simulation had been studying the Holocaust for about two months. We learned that all those people in the camps were put there because they were believed to be different. But in reality they had a lot in common; they were not accepted for who they were.

In our class, we discussed how we must accept all people for their differences. We talked about how tolerance among everyone is important. Through the simulation, we learned how people during that period of time were executed because they were not Aryan.

I disagree with Jennifer Clark’s statement that such programs serve no useful purpose, and I wonder how her organization can be called Facing History and Ourselves when she is against using simulations that help us live through and learn about an event in history.

Contrary to your story, this event was taken completely seriously. I noticed my friends’ behaviors were not similar to the usual carefree attitudes they have in class. I think everyone learned something.

I learned that even if you’re scared, you should stand up for yourself. People need to make their own choices. I wondered what it would be like to be a guard. I think it would be difficult knowing that these people have rights and knowing I had to report to someone higher than me. It would be like being in their shoes once again.

I know it would be impossible for us to realize the true horror, so I will ask Irv Rubin of the Jewish Defense League, how real could we have been without repeating the Holocaust?

MARIA CASTILLEJO

Van Nuys