A HOLOCAUST survivor spoke to students in Wokingham about the horrors of the war, and how it still matters today.

Hana Kleiner, aged 93, spoke to students in Holme Grange School about her life, giving a personal perspective on the persecution of the Jews, and discussing modern issues that follow this.

The visit took place on January 30, and was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Claire Robinson, Headteacher for Holme Grange School, said: "It is a privilege for us to welcome Hana Kleiner to our school and her testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.

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"We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Hana’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

Mrs Kleiner said in her tribute: "I have had a multi-faith upbringing, mainly amongst Christians, but my family were always Jews. My parents and my family was murdered because they were Jews, and I will die a Jew.

"I had the advantage of getting a good education, giving me a career, and full employment, I've been more than fortunate to meet and marry my loving and supporting husbands Cedric without whom my recent years would not have been so rich in experiences.

"I would like to continue these talks in memory of my parents who died, and my friends who struggle with the memory who are still alive. The memory of what happened during the war has never left me."

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She continued with her message: "What lessons should we learn from the enormity of the Holocaust?

"It should stand as a terrible warning when prejudice and bigotry become the policy of dictators and religious fanatics to justify the elimination of others.

"At first, with the enormity of what happened one could have some hope that this would never happen again - sadly, the horror that was the holocaust has not stopped other genocides.

"What grieves and depresses me is the current rise in antisemitism and some people that are in denial of the holocaust ever happening, in the face of all documented evidence. Where are the six million people who disappeared?

"I admire and love this country for its traditions, its tolerance and its democratic and lawful institutions which have become examples to others.

"Always oppose hatred and injustice. every person, irrespective of race, colour or creed deserves respect and equal treatment."

To watch Mrs Kleiner's testimony in full, CLICK HERE.