A CONCENTRATION camp survivor has given pupils at a Pershore school a taste of what life was like during the Holocaust.

Mindu Hornick told youngsters about her experience of being a 12-yearold sent to Auschwitz – a Nazi camp where millions of Jewish people were tortured and killed.

Pupils at Pershore High School were able to ask her questions at the talk organised to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The day is held every year in memory of the millions of people affected by Nazi persecution during the Holocaust.

Subsequent genocides, including those in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur, are also remembered as part of the day on Thursday, January 27.

Mrs Hornick said: “I am so happy that the Holocaust is being remembered here in your community and not just by its survivors.

“I hope that everyone will help to prevent hostility and prejudice, anti- Semitism and racism in all forms from happening and encourage people to stand up to this kind of intolerance.

“It is important to have faith and to contribute to your community in this way and to love your neighbour and I was delighted to see these wonderful children.”

The pupils also displayed their artwork and performed readings of poetry and prose with a Holocaust theme.

The event at the Civic Centre in Pershore was organised by Wychavon District Council.

Councillor Audrey Steel, the council’s executive board member for community engagement and rural affairs, presented awards to the young performers.

The council’s chairman Linda Robinson said: “We were all moved by what we heard.

“She is a very brave lady and I for one shall never forget her story.”

Tom Piotrowski, migration and integration in rural areas coordinator, organised the event.

He thanked Mrs Hornick and the pupils for taking part in the commemoration.