Holocaust Survivor Maud Dahme Shares Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope with Students
Holocaust Survivor Maud Dahme Shares Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope with Students
Hoboken, NJ, —(Wednesday, January 14, 2026) Students in Ms. Koerner’s Holocaust, Genocide & Modern Humanity class and Ms. Loughlin’s AP Psychology class were recently given a rare and deeply meaningful opportunity to hear directly from Holocaust survivor Maud Dahme, whose personal testimony brought history to life in a powerful and unforgettable way.
During her presentation, Ms. Dahme recounted her childhood in Holland during World War II, describing the fear, uncertainty, and courage that defined her early years as Nazi forces overtook her homeland. She shared how she and her sister survived by living in hiding, relying on the bravery and compassion of others. One of the most striking moments of her story was her recollection of nearly being captured by a Nazi soldier—an encounter that could have ended her life, but instead ended with the soldier inexplicably allowing her to go free.
Students viewed photographs from Ms. Dahme’s life, helping them connect the historical narrative to the real person standing before them. They then engaged in a thoughtful question-and-answer session, asking insightful questions about her experiences as a hidden child, the psychological impact of living in constant fear, and the long-lasting effects of trauma and resilience—connections that resonated deeply with both the Holocaust studies and AP Psychology curricula.
Ms. Dahme also spoke about rebuilding her life after the war. After immigrating to the United States, she went on to become an airline attendant and author, forging a life defined not by hatred or loss, but by strength and purpose. Today, she devotes herself to Holocaust education, traveling to schools and communities around the world to ensure that the lessons of history are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Each summer, Ms. Dahme leads a group of New Jersey educators on an immersive educational trip to Europe. The experience includes visits to concentration camps, conversations with the daughter of an SS soldier, and a visit to the very home where Ms. Dahme once hid as a child. Ms. Koerner had the privilege of participating in this journey two summers ago, further strengthening the connection between classroom learning and lived history.
In addition to being a survivor and educator, Ms. Dahme is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. While her story was filled with moments of sorrow and loss, the day concluded with a powerful message of resilience, compassion, and hope. In a touching tribute, the entire auditorium joined together to sing “Happy Birthday” in honor of Ms. Dahme’s upcoming 90th birthday this January. Students and staff presented her with a bouquet of flowers and heartfelt words of gratitude, celebrating not only her milestone birthday but her lifelong commitment to education and remembrance.
The visit served as a profound reminder of the importance of bearing witness, standing against hatred, and honoring the voices of those who lived through history. Students left the auditorium with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust—and a renewed sense of responsibility to carry these lessons forward.
