SINT-GILLISSCHOOL BRUSSELS
As a teacher, but also as the granddaughter of two grandfathers who each played their own role in the First and Second World Wars, I consider it important to introduce my pupils in the third grade of primary school to this moving part of our history.
Through a rather chance encounter with Mr. Jacques Frojmovics, I had the opportunity during the 2024–2025 school year to speak with him about his family history during the Second World War, seen through the lens of his Jewish background and the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. In addition, he introduced me to the organization SHORASHIM, which aims, through such testimonies, to make children and young people aware of the dangers of prejudice and racism.
He spoke, I listened… and I was personally moved by the emotion with which this man—still unknown to me at the time—talked about his Jewish family and the horrors they had endured. He spoke calmly, yet with deep conviction, and within his personal suffering there was a powerful message of hope. He explained that he would also like to speak with my pupils and enter into dialogue with them on this subject. I immediately felt that I should accept his request.
Mr. Frojmovics and I arranged a time to repeat the conversation, this time in the classroom with the pupils, and I remain grateful for the way he did so. In a very personal manner, he gave my 11-year-old pupils insight into the life story of his mother and several other family members, while calmly answering the many questions the children asked him. The classroom became completely silent, and as the conversation progressed, even the pupils who hardly knew him at first felt very comfortable thanks to his direct approach and his respectful, attentive attitude toward them. In turn, thanks to him, they were able to connect what they heard to their own world and came to realize that excluding others can have far-reaching consequences.
By now, I hope I may call Mr. Frojmovics not a stranger, but a friend. His testimony has become a constant and valued part of my classroom program, and I therefore recommend to other schools, classes, and teachers that they invite him—or one of the other witnesses—to speak during lessons. I wholeheartedly support the vision of building a future without hatred through the memories of the past.
Thanks to the SHORASHIM testimony, my pupils—the adults of tomorrow—began to reflect on their own actions and on the way they respond to others. Thanks in part to “Mr. Jacques,” they choose HOPE and not HATE, and that remains the most valuable life lesson we can pass on to them for the future… because connection and mutual respect not only make us stronger, but also show that strangers do not have to become enemies, but can become friends.
Goedele De Vis
Teacher, 5th grade, Sint-Gillisschool, Brussels, Belgium
ECOLE BOIS DE LA CAMBRE
Dear all,
I would like to share with you a very intense experience that I recently had with my 5th and 6th grade students.
We had the opportunity to listen to the testimony of a family member of Shoah survivors, thanks to an organization that offers school visits and educational sessions. I initially approached this moment with some hesitation, fearing that the account would focus mainly on the atrocities. However, this testimony proved to be deeply human and hopeful: it emphasized above all courage, solidarity, and the beauty of the actions of the Righteous Among the Nations.
My students were deeply moved, and I am convinced that important seeds were planted in their minds. In times like ours, I believe such encounters are essential in our classrooms.
For this reason, I would like to draw your attention to this organization, as the educational and human richness of these testimonies is immense. If you are looking for a sensitive and constructive way to address the Second World War and the Shoah with your students, I can only warmly recommend this organization.
I work at a school in Brussels, but I believe it is certainly possible to discuss with them the extent to which they are willing to travel.
If you wish, you may contact them at: sender@shorashim.be or info@shorashim.be
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with them!
January 2026,
Léna Olyslager, teacher at École 8 du Bois de la Cambre
AMBASSADORS FOR PEACE
Jacques managed, through his authentic testimony, to touch the hearts of the students. After a moment of silence, a profound discussion emerged about the shared values we have as human beings. An encounter that will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone.
Ton Jongstra, Ambassadors for Peace, December 2025
ECOLE EDDY MERCKX – Woluwe
On Friday, November 28, our students of class 4 TQ at the CSEM had the opportunity to listen to and engage in dialogue about Jacques’ testimony. He shared his own story and that of his relatives from that dark period in which the rejection of Jews and the dehumanization of an entire group were frightening and unworthy.
He was listened to with great attention and empathy by our young people. Jacques sat in the middle of the group, very close to our students. He spoke to them with respect, humility, and kindness.
In the morning, our students, together with their health education teacher, had prepared soup and were looking forward to sharing it with our guest speaker.
With tact, intelligence, and sensitivity, Jacques made this moment meaningful, unforgettable, and rich in reflection. The students were invited to think about and respond to questions concerning the causes of antisemitism and stereotypes, which led to long and constructive discussions.
A huge thank you to you, Jacques, for your support in our shared mission: preserving peace among people and reminding us that the fight for respect for human rights is the responsibility of each and every one of us.
R. A., teacher at the CSEM – November 2025