On March 14th, Fitzalan High School had the immense privilege of welcoming second-generation Holocaust speaker, Michael Bibring, to share the harrowing yet inspiring story of his father, Harry Bibring, a Holocaust survivor. This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first time a Holocaust speaker had visited our brand-new school building, making it a momentous occasion for both staff and pupils alike. Year 9 pupils demonstrated exceptional attentiveness and respect throughout the lessons in the morning and the talk, fully engaging with Michael's powerful recounting of his father’s experiences. 

Born on December 26th, 1925, in Vienna, Austria, Harry Bibring endured unimaginable hardship. On November 10th, 1938, during Kristallnacht, his father’s menswear business was looted and destroyed. Soon after, Harry’s father was arrested, and the family was forced out of their home, relocating to cramped living quarters with 50 other Jewish women and children. Recognising the increasing dangers, Harry’s parents made the heartbreaking decision to send 13-year-old Harry and his sister to Britain via the Kindertransport, hoping to reunite later. Tragically, that reunion never took place. In November 1940, Harry’s father passed away from a heart attack, and in 1942, his mother was deported to Sobibór, a Nazi death camp in Poland. Upon arriving in England, Harry and his sister were initially taken in by Mr. Landsman, a contact of their father. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they were separated. When war broke out on September 3rd, 1939, Harry was evacuated to Fletton, near Peterborough, where he was taken in by the headmaster of the local grammar school. With the support and kindness he received, Harry was able to build a future for himself, ultimately becoming an engineer.

Michael Bibring’s talk was deeply moving, made even more impactful by his use of original documents and artefacts from his father’s life. His ability to bring history to life left a lasting impression on all who attended. The remarkable engagement and maturity displayed by Fitzalan’s Year 9 pupils was exceptional, displaying a clear their appreciation for the importance of the day and the subject matter.

This visit was a vital reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the necessity of remembering the past to ensure a more just and tolerant future. Fitzalan is honored to have hosted such an important event and looks forward to continuing to provide pupils with meaningful opportunities to engage with important history firsthand.