Ruth Minsky Sender, Holocaust survivor, mother, teacher, writer, and friend to students at Cold Spring Harbor High School, New York, has written three books about her experiences: The Cage, To Life, and The Holocaust Lady. The following response, by Emilie Bogrand, is part of a paper for teachers Liz Nicklas and John Borland which Emilie wrote after she read The Cage in her junior high English class.
Riva's story touched me in a very deep place. I can't imagine the horror that she must have gone through. It was crazy, and I really can't believe the world sat back and did nothing while the Holocaust was going on. Also, I just learned that the United States only let a certain number of Jews into the country during World War II. What was the US thinking? That really blew me away. Not only did we not help until it was too late, but we also prevented many from escaping the terror of it all!
Another thing that hit me hard was the determination and will of these people to survive. I've seen pictures of people who were just skin and bones when they were released. They practically did the impossible. It was their hope that brought them through those terrible times. When the Nazis stole the Jews' food, clothing, and possessions, the Nazis thought they had everything that they could take from the Jews. They even took family. But, the Nazis didn't know that a few things still remained in the victims -- a hope for their future and for others; a pride in their religion and homeland; and, genuine feelings. Ruth said, that the commandant even stated, "I thought we had killed all your feelings -- but I guess not."
I cannot believe that The Cage is a true story. I cannot believe that the human race, as delicate as it is, survived and surpassed their experiences in the Holocaust. I cannot believe that Riva Minsky (her maiden name), made it through. I cannot believe that the world did nothing while this was happening. I cannot believe that people were able to go on with hope in their lives as they did during, and still do after, such a tragedy, but I believe -- because the Holocaust is part of our history. As Ruth Minsky Sender has said throughout her life, "As long as there is life, there is hope."