Students win HERO art and writing competition

BUFFALO, NY — The Holocaust Educational Resource Organization (HERO) of Buffalo has announced the winners of its 2024 art and writing competition.

The theme was the 85th anniversary of the Kindertransport and the suggestions were as follows:
– Describe the challenge faced by the parents or children of the Kindertransport.
– Explore the theme of loss experienced either by the parents or by the children of the Kindertransport.

The competition was open to students in grades seven through twelve. Faraz, an eighth-grader at Mill Middle School in Williamsville, won first place and best of show. He said in a Williamsville CSD video that his artwork “was inspired by the children who were saved,” but leaving everything they knew behind.

“Faraz researched very well what happened to many Jewish families during World War II and he ensured that his artwork reflected the sadness of the times.” Josh Garver, social studies teacher at Mill, said. “He’s done a fantastic job sharing that, not only with our students, but now also through this art and writing competition.”

Another winner, Mary Saper of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, designed a collage. Saper used articles from Kindertransport and put an image of a teddy bear in the center. This bear represents the stuffed animal that 14-year-old Jack Hellman carried on his life-saving journey from Germany to Great Britain.

At the awards ceremony they also celebrated the winners of the Sophia Veffer Upstander Award, the Toby Ticktin Back Educator Award and the new Abek Feigenblatt Student Upstander Award. These awards recognize people who volunteer their time to raise awareness about the Holocaust or who demonstrate leadership in standing up for what is right.

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