Learning from history – Holocaust testimony
On Friday 23rd January 2026, Bridgewater School was honoured to welcome Holocaust survivor Tomi Komoly BEM for a moving and thought-provoking visit, organised in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).
Tomi, who was forced to live in German-occupied Budapest under the Hungarian fascist government during the Second World War before eventually escaping with his mother, shared his personal testimony with students as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, mutual respect and Fundamental British Values.
During his visit, Tomi joined members of the school’s Respect, Equality and Diversity Society (REDS) for lunch, providing a valuable opportunity for informal discussion and reflection. Later, Year 9 students, who study the Holocaust as part of the Religious Studies Evil and Suffering curriculum, alongside Year 10 and 11 Religious Studies students, Sixth Form historians, and RS and Psychology students, gathered to hear his powerful account.
Following the testimony, the floor was opened for a question and answer session, enabling students to deepen their understanding of the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in greater depth. Students demonstrated high levels of empathy and curiosity, asking thoughtful and respectful questions that reflected the profound impact of Tomi’s story.
The visit formed part of our wider Enrichment Programme, which aims to broaden students’ perspectives, enhance cultural understanding and bring learning to life beyond the classroom. Experiences such as this reinforce the school values of integrity, compassion, responsibility and courage, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of challenging prejudice and standing up against injustice.
Ms Hemmings, Assistant Headteacher and Holocaust Education Ambassador, said:
“It is a privilege for us to have welcomed Tomi to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the HET for coordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Tomi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added:
“The HET educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities, about the Holocaust, and there can be no better way that through the first-hand testimony of a survivor. Tomi’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and, by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where antisemitism and hatred can ultimately lead.
“At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”
Bridgewater School is proud to provide opportunities that inspire reflection, deepen understanding and empower students to contribute positively to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
