Zezette Larsen: Memories of Facing History

Listening to the testimonials of Holocaust survivors or other eyewitnesses to history is an unforgettable part of the Facing History and Ourselves journey. Zezette Larsen, a member of the Board of Directors since it was established and a lifelong friend to Facing History, is also one of many resource speakers who transform students and teachers through her story. Born in Belgium, Zezette was just eleven years old when the Germans invaded her country. Sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943, she endured the early death of both her parents and two isolating and dehumanizing years in the camp. She continues her involvement with Facing History by participating in The Memory Project, a writing workshop for survivors, co-sponsored by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, that enables them to write about and share their memories of suffering and triumph.

“Facing History and Ourselves has helped me to regain some faith in humanity. I believe that most students who are introduced to this curriculum will make a positive difference in the world. My commitment to Facing History is immense.”

Zezette Larsen
Memories of Facing History from our 25th Anniversary Project

It was twenty-three, or twenty-four, or maybe even twenty-five years ago that I finally consented to speak at Yale University for the Revson Project on Holocaust memories. Contrary to my usual behavior of denial, I even went to Brandeis University to view the tapes when they were shown. I never understood why I went, until during intermission, a “stranger” spoke to me and asked if I were okay. She had just looked at the tape of my history. We introduced ourselves and when she, Margot, told me what her vision was for an organization which was in the process of being formed, something “clicked” in my head. Using my history to confront young people’s thinking made sense to me and I suddenly felt less sad and lonely.

Margot invited me to one of the first Facing History meetings and I began to relax. The office soon became my second home. I was always warmly welcomed although I wondered if I were in the way. I began to speak in classes, very frightened but very determined.

I recall specifically one day speaking in my adopted daughter’s class, at Beaver Country Day School. Margot was with me. And as I spoke, and looked at my daughter Lilian’s big brown eyes, they were full of tears. I became speechless. Margot took over.

Twenty-five years later, I attend all meetings that I am invited to and I often speak in schools. I love having conversations with the students after I speak. The staff at Facing History and Ourselves has become my family and the organization, its goals, philosophy, and actions are my raison d’être.