Julius Einsentein is a Holocaust survivor, an activist, honorary Jaguar, and a centenerian. Eisenstein returned to MLEC to discuss his life and the hardships he endured.
“I am not a professional speech man, but what I am going to tell you is from my heart,” began Julius Einsentein.
And he did just that.
He never thought he was going to survive the Holocaust. He was held captive in Dachau, a German concentration camp, then escaped with help from his brother just to get caught again and sent to Auschwitz.
But, even after being relocated to one of the worst and most deadly camps, he made it all the way to stand in front of 300 MLEC students to tell his story— on his 100th birthday.
On what could be considered a momentous day for any other person, Eisenstein decided to spend his time recounting his life ranging from how he got his teeth knocked out by a Nazi soldier to how his first meal tasted when he was freed.
All with the goal to make sure that every student is aware of what actually happened.
“Julius is living proof, is loving proof, is a testament to the fact that the human spirit coupled with a lovable heart and mind can conquer much,” said Superintendent Carvalho.
Gasps could be heard from the students as he showed pictures and shared graphic details of his years in the camps. As he spoke, he made sure to emphasize his point that he doesn’t want what happened to him to ever happen again to anybody again.
“A normal human being can’t comprehend or understand the cruelty of the Germans. Even me myself will never ever understand,” he said.
Eisenstein has dedicated his life to spread one message: We need to stop the hate.
It was clear during the assembly why Einstein was there. It wasn’t for the recognition or the admiration of surviving but it was to prevent such levels of hate to become as widespread as they did during his era.
Therefore, he began going to schools and different assemblies to tell his story and spread his message about the horrors, cruelties, and inhumanities he endured for years. He wanted to make sure every student is aware of what really occurred in the holocaust and to make sure it never happens again.
The best way to avoid the repetition of a cruel past is by educating the future,” said Alberto Carvlaho, superintendent of MDCPS, “That is why his voice is so precious,”
Although what he experienced is something incomprehensible, that could never be fully understood unless one actually lived through it, his words were no short but impactful.
“Please, I’m begging you, don’t let anybody say something that can hurt others. You have rights, keep it that way,” said Eisenstein.
