My Voice Director, Raphi Bloom outlines how survivor stories can be a powerful tool in shaping empathy tolerance and respect.
To tackle antisemitism in our communities, we must ensure that our young people are equipped with empathy, respect for difference and a sense of belonging. The rise in antisemitism reflects wider social tensions and the spread of prejudice both online and offline and requires a concerted and collaborative effort to halt. Teachers can play a vital role in this societal challenge by creating inclusive classrooms, educating pupils about Jewish history and identity, and promoting Fundamental British Values.
It was this challenge that led My Voice, the nationally recognised Holocaust Survivor Storyteller project, to create Stories of Strength, Lessons for Life, a free PSHE resource designed to help teachers explore some of society’s most important themes through the real-life experiences of Holocaust survivors.
The resource is built around the stories of three survivors who experienced persecution during the Holocaust before rebuilding their lives in Britain. While their journeys were marked by unimaginable loss and hardship, they are ultimately stories of resilience, determination and hope.
After arriving in the UK, each survivor, built families, careers and communities. Their experiences demonstrate not only the consequences of hatred and discrimination, but also the power of perseverance, compassion and human kindness.
Crucially, these survivors did not spend their lives dwelling on the hatred they experienced. Instead, they dedicated themselves to educating future generations and promoting positive values. Their message to young people was remarkably consistent: be kind, show empathy, respect others, and never judge someone because they are different from you. Many spoke about hate as a disease that can spread when left unchallenged, but one that can be overcome through understanding, education and meaningful human connection.
These powerful messages form the foundation of Stories of Strength, Lessons for Life.
The resource uses survivor testimony to explore key PSHE themes such as identity, belonging, prejudice, resilience, wellbeing and community responsibility. By connecting these issues to authentic human stories, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes, values and choices.
The lessons also support schools in promoting the Fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Rather than teaching these concepts as abstract ideas, the resource brings them to life. Students learn about individuals whose freedoms were removed, whose rights were denied and whose differences were used as a reason for persecution. In doing so, they develop a deeper understanding of why mutual respect, tolerance and democratic values matter in modern Britain.
For teachers, the resource provides practical, curriculum-linked lesson materials that are ready to use and designed to stimulate meaningful classroom discussion. For students, it offers an opportunity to engage emotionally as well as intellectually, helping them connect historical lessons with the challenges they face today.
The impact can be profound. Teachers who have used the resource report greater student engagement, richer discussions around identity and respect, and increased confidence in addressing difficult topics. More importantly, young people are encouraged to become active participants in creating inclusive and respectful communities.
At a time when schools are seeking effective ways to strengthen social cohesion and challenge hate, Stories of Strength, Lessons for Life demonstrates how survivor testimony can be a powerful tool for education. Within PSHE, these stories are not simply about understanding the past, they are about equipping young people with the resilience, empathy and values needed to shape a better future.
By sharing the experiences of survivors who chose kindness over bitterness, hope over despair and understanding over hatred, the resource helps ensure that the lessons of history continue to inspire the next generation of British citizens.
You can find more information about the project here.
To access the full resource pack and support the MY Voice project by trialling the resources and sharing your feedback, please contact info@myvoice.org.uk