Hoboken Middle School Welcomes Holocaust Survivor and Author Marion Blumenthal Lazan for an Inspiring and Transformative Visit
Hoboken, NJ – November 18, 2024 – Hoboken Middle School students had a rare and poignant opportunity to meet Marion Blumenthal Lazan, a Holocaust survivor and co-author of Four Perfect Pebbles: A True Story of the Holocaust. This powerful memoir, written with co-author Lila Perl, chronicles Marion’s harrowing childhood experiences during the Holocaust, serving as a moving testament to survival, resilience, and hope. Through her personal account, Marion provided students with an unforgettable, firsthand perspective on one of history's darkest chapters.
The visit marked the culmination of an immersive unit in the school's English Language Arts and Social Studies curricula. Students spent a few weeks reading Four Perfect Pebbles, which details Marion’s life in Nazi Germany, her family’s imprisonment in the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, and the long journey to freedom following their liberation. The book weaves together Marion’s childhood memories and the broader historical context of the Holocaust, revealing both the heartbreaking cruelty and the profound strength found in one family's journey of survival.
Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s story in Four Perfect Pebbles begins with her life as a young Jewish girl in Nazi Germany. When she was only four years old, her family’s world was shattered by the rise of the Nazi regime. They spent six years fleeing persecution, eventually being confined to concentration camps, where they endured brutal conditions. The memoir’s title, Four Perfect Pebbles, symbolizes the four stones Marion would search for each day in the camp, representing her hope that each of her family members would survive. This small act became a coping mechanism that allowed her to hold onto faith and optimism amid despair.
During her time at Hoboken Middle School, Marion Blumenthal Lazan shared these memories and the lessons they hold for future generations. Speaking candidly, she described the emotional and physical toll of her family’s suffering and the incredible strength it took to endure such unimaginable hardship. Her story underscored the book’s central themes of resilience and the importance of retaining one’s humanity, even in the face of profound suffering. Following her talk, Marion answered questions from students who had been deeply engaged in studying her story and the broader historical significance of the Holocaust.
“It’s crucial that we remember the past to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated,” said Principal Ryan Sorafine of Hoboken Middle School. “I hope that Mrs. Blumenthal Lazan’s story helps our students understand the importance of tolerance, empathy, and standing up for justice. Her courage in sharing her story is an inspiring example for all of us.”
Students engaged in a range of activities designed to deepen their connection to Marion’s story and the historical context of the Holocaust. As part of a “Four Perfect Pebbles” reflection exercise, students created representations of the four pebbles, embodying hope, perseverance, and survival. This activity, along with group discussions and creative projects, encouraged them to process the emotional weight of the Holocaust through the personal story of Marion and her family.
“I’m so grateful I was able to hear Marion’s story directly from her,” shared Fifi D., an eighth-grade student who attended the event. “Learning about her life has made everything we’ve studied feel so much more real and important. I’ll carry her story with me for the rest of my life.”
Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s visit reflects Hoboken Middle School’s commitment to fostering understanding and awareness of human rights and the Holocaust. The Social Studies department has a longstanding dedication to teaching complex and critical histories, providing students with literature and personal stories that reveal both the painful realities and enduring lessons of the past. The Hoboken Public School District has previously hosted survivor speakers, ensuring that students are encouraged to engage with history thoughtfully and with empathy.
“We are deeply honored that Marion Blumenthal Lazan could join us today,” said Mrs. Andrea Eberhard, Social Studies teacher at Hoboken Middle School. “Her bravery in recounting her experiences leaves a profound and lasting impact on our students. It’s a privilege for them to learn directly from someone who has lived through such significant history and yet remains committed to educating others.”
Four Perfect Pebbles has become a mainstay in educational settings, providing students with a deeply personal account of the Holocaust. The book encourages readers to consider values such as compassion, resilience, and tolerance, emphasizing the relevance of these lessons in today’s world.
About Marion Blumenthal Lazan
Marion Blumenthal Lazan is a Holocaust survivor and author of Four Perfect Pebbles: A True Story of the Holocaust, which details her life as a Jewish child during World War II. She and her family spent several years in Nazi concentration camps before being liberated. Today, Marion speaks to audiences worldwide, sharing her story to promote remembrance, tolerance, and the courage to stand against hatred.
About Hoboken Middle School
Hoboken Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8 in Hoboken, New Jersey, is committed to delivering a comprehensive education that emphasizes Social Studies, history, and the importance of compassion and empathy. The school strives to create a community where students are encouraged to understand the past and make a positive impact on the future.