Holocaust & Human Behavior students visited the Pucker Art Gallery in Boston, as well as the Boston Holocaust Memorial on Friday, December 5 to further explore the course’s central question of human responsibility: “What is our responsibility to each other as humans?”

The Puker Gallery is a private art gallery that primarily houses the work of renowned artist and Holocaust survivor, Samuel Bak.

According to social studies teacher Brittany Burns, Bak, an artistic prodigy, experienced a major life shift during World War II. Most of his family was killed; only Bak and his mother survived the extreme atrocity.

 Bak now resides in Massachusetts and continues to use his artistic abilities as a way to share his story with the world.

“His work is incredible. We had the honor of visiting the gallery and getting a private tour of a few dozen of his pieces by the gallery owner and Bak expert, Bernie Pucker. It was an incredible experience,” Burns said.

Senior Paige O’Leary recognized that Bak’s paintings are more than just art.

“I think the most positive thing is that he [Samuel Bak] survived this and gets to share his story not only through his voice, but his artwork. I think he has a special gift,” O’Leary said.

Students enjoyed the experience and developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of what they have been learning in the classroom.

“Honestly, it [the Boston Holocaust Memorial] had a huge emotional impact on me. It made it so real—so many numbers and so many people,” senior Trevor Fuce said.

The course is designed to enlighten students about not only the facts relating to the Holocaust, but also the impact and effects of such an awful occurrence.

“My goal is to help us understand the Holocaust on a human level so we can be moved and inspired to make better, more humane choices in our everyday lives,” Burns said.

Fuce and O’Leary agree that the Holocaust & Human Behavior course is enriching, thought provoking, and emotionally inspiring.

“When history is erased, history is repeated. You have to keep that memory alive and make a stance for what you believe in,” Fuce said.