West Islip High School’s junior and senior American Sign Language students in Jennifer Suriano’s classes recently embarked on a powerful and thought-provoking journey to explore what it meant to be both deaf and Jewish during World War II.

Through stories of resilience, sacrifice, courage and unwavering faith, students deepened their understanding of the Holocaust and the unique experiences of deaf individuals during World War II. Students read “Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust.” The book tells the story of two sisters – one deaf, one hearing – and their struggle to survive life in a concentration camp. Through this narrative, readers gained insight into the strength of sibling bonds and the unique challenges faced by deaf individuals during the Holocaust.

To further their learning, students also watched and reflected on video artifacts from Yale University’s Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. These firsthand accounts brought to life the memories, heartbreak and survival stories of real people before, during and after the war. Students extended their learning beyond the classroom thanks to a grant awarded to Mrs. Suriano. The funding allowed for a meaningful trip to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove. There, students engaged with second-generation survivors and viewed authentic relics and historical artifacts. The visit left a lasting impact and brought a human face to the lessons learned in class.

To conclude the experience, the class participated in a reflective activity titled “Acts of Courage.” They considered what it means to be fearless, to stand up for themselves and others, and to act with bravery – even in small moments. Each student signed the word butterfly, symbolizing transformation and hope. Together, they shared a collective wish: to help create a world that is safer, kinder and more inclusive world for all.

Date Added: 5/14/2025