Michael Herskovitz

A Message from Michael

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even grandchildren.Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. I wish you success and lots of love. More importantly, thank for the journey.

Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.

— Michael

RECOGNITION

Barack Obama

President / United States of America

You are one of that select company of men and women whose achievements have become legendary in their own time. Your tireless endeavors on behalf of Holocaust Education everywhere have gained friends for the United States and the cause of Democracy, and have won for you a permanent place in the history of human progress.

Nancy Robinson

/ Downingtown High School West Campus

Elie Wiesel reminds us that, "For the dead, and the living, we must bear witness.: Please know that our students were touched by your presentation. Because of your presentation, our students can now put a face to events in history. We are strengthened by your example, your fortitude and your compassion. Your words will be remembered–not for just one day, but for a lifetime.

Meredith Gomez

10th Grade World History Teacher / Penn Wood High School

The impact of your story has been evident in the days following your visit. They bring up your story during our continuing lessons on World War II. The fact that they can relate what they are learning in their textbooks to someone who actually lived through the events has done more than we could have ever imagined. It's rare that we as teachers have the opportunity to bring history to life for these students, so we really do appreciate people like yourself willingly sharing their stories.

Bernadette Bartholommew

8th Grade Gifted Support / Welsh Valey Middle School

The time you spent with the students and faculty sharing your personal story is priceless; there is no lesson in any text book that can make up for your eyewitness account of history. Your willingness to be so honest and authentic truly resonated with our students as evidenced in their letters to you.

Arlen & Joan Spector

Knowing your own greatness is not contradiction to humility. On the contrary, ultimately humility is achieved by a person who excels in good attributes but takes no great for his greatness.

Carl A. Tori, Ph.D.

/ Archbishop Ryan High School

Although you and your family were treated in a most despicable manner you are not a bitter man. You showed the students that it is possible to forgive the worst offenses committed against you and to retain loving and caring towards others in your life. Yes, your story is a sad one, Yet, you left us with a deep sense of hope–hope for you, hope for us, an ultimately, hope for the human race. For all this, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.