HETAPAC

"Oskar was the age of my students when he went through the Holocaust, so having them read his story, while using HETAPAC as an additional resource, was an incredible experience."
-9th Grade Social Studies Educator

"Thank you so much for sharing the HETAPAC resources with Coconino High School. I am certain that more teachers will be visiting your website to obtain additional sets. It will be special, as you said, “to have you with us always”. Your message to the students was so powerful and so positive. I think you touched many, many lives, including mine. I marvel at the way your words weave experience with wisdom. Each time I listen to you, I learn something new and very important. Your advice to the students about knowing yourself, standing up to bullies, doing one good thing, and eliminating hate resonate so strongly with me. Your message will make a huge difference in their lives. I heard something this morning on the news about bystanders and speaking out against violence, and instantly thought of you. Thank you for your inspiration, Oskar."
-Gretchen Markiewicz: Education Administrator 

"This is such a great resource. Such important lessons for young people, and amazing insights for all to learn. The HETAPAC is a wonderful, thoughtful account, and a valuable resource for teachers, with great questions for discussions."
-Gail Nirider Sturgell, History Educator

" I thoroughly enjoyed the materials, and wanted to tell you what a positive impact it will have on education. It provides so many valuable resources for our students and teachers. I especially enjoyed the chronological pages and the question- answer format. I was in awe at the chronological progression's details, and learned something just from reading that alone! I think that the question-answer format gives such a remarkable and "human" account to your story, and the story of millions of others. I have to admit that I was taken aback at the pictures. Especially the children, and of Oskar and his family. The reality of the horror juxtaposed with the innocence of your face, predeportation, brought tears to my eyes. You are leaving a legacy for mankind."
-Barbara J. Kowalinski,  Principal, Santan Junior High

"Your HETAPAC notebook/flash drive are amazing. Very organized, and easy to use. I think this material would be great for 5th - 12th grade."
-Sam Russell, 12th grade Social Studies Teacher

" Wow- what a valuable resource this is!! Everything is so thoroughly put together and is very high quality. The photos are incredible, as is the information specific to Poland. The documentation of Oskar's return visit to Poland with his cousin is very touching and quite profound- as is seeing Rose at the camps from which she survived. Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience this incredible resource"
-Lindsay Taylor, 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts, Summit Academy

" I think the HETAPAC is an absolutely wonderful resource for teachers! I really loved the vocabulary section because it helped to narrow down the words a student might need to understand, rather than trying to teach all of the complex vocabulary associated with the Holocaust. The video is absolutely wonderful, and the testimonial of questions covers so many of the questions that my students ask about the Holocaust. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable resource with me! It is absolutely wonderful, and I truly believe that it will give teachers who are unfamiliar with the subject matter a great place to start teaching so horrific a topic, while still maintaining the themes of hope."
-Jennifer Roth, Teacher, Payne Jr High School

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Book

SPEAKER

"This story of unimaginable horrors, told with such depth of detail, and most surprisingly, with compassion and forgiveness for those who were his tormentors, leaves one in awe."
-Elizabeth Hendrickson, Teacher - Irving Elementary

"Thank you for writing your book, for sharing your story, and for allowing my daughters to one day know of the courage, strength, character, and hope that you, your family, and millions of others possessed almost 70 years ago, and continue to possess even now."                                  
-Marisa Cox, Business Professional, Mother, and Community Volunteer

"Oskar's message woven throughout his book-one of beauty in the face of terror; hope in the face of loss; humanity in the face of depravity-is one that every single reader of any age can learn from and cherish.  Yours is a story none of us will ever forget."
-Lindsay Taylor, 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts Teacher - Summit Academy

"A Boy's Story-A Man's Memory gives a different perspective on the horrors of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.  I find his story of survival, resilience, and resourcefulness amazing!" 
-Michael Weltsch, PhD Adult Education

"In reading your story, it seemed you were blessed during those horrible times.  The most beautiful thing is you did not allow bitterness to destroy you.  You are an inspiration to my family and me, and I am sure many others.  Life has not been easy for you, but it is evident you value every day as we all should."
-Elaine Henry, Business Project Specialist - Salt River Project

" Your book was wonderful and inspiring. Your story is an illustration of how we need to live our lives with dignity, and not allow others to drive how we feel about ourselves, or impact how we treat each other."
-Myra Kingsley, Clergy, Episcopal Church

"Oskar's compelling story of survival, respect, and freedom is one that teaches young and old that the freedoms we have are to be treasured and respected. Oskar's life story is one that reminds all of us that our life here on earth is very precious. The invaluable lesson that my students and I have all taken away from his horrific experience, as documented in his book, is that courage, respect, tolerance, and love will make us better human beings, and will teach us the life lessons that we should never take anything or anyone for granted."
Debbie Cluff, Language Arts Teacher, Hillcrest Middle School.

" Your book is a lasting tribute to history. Thank you for sharing your story and your heart with us."
Mary Harthun, Staff Development Specialist and Educator.

"Thank you so much for allowing us the privilege to hear your experiences. What you told us wasn't just a story, it was a life lesson. You gave us many things to be grateful for. You are a true survivor of the Holocaust. I admire you so much for your bravery and respect in the midst of death."
-8th grader: Santan Junior High

"What Oskar brings to a classroom is a dash of reality.  It is no longer words on a page, or in a book.  It is no longer a vague description from a teacher, but now it is real.  They can see the pain, the fear of not knowing what will happen next, and they get the details that only a survivor can share.  Couple that with his message of respect and tolerance, and the students are glued to every word.  My students told me that listening and interacting with Oskar was their most enjoyable experience of the entire year. As a teacher you want your students to remember history.  With Oskar that is a guarantee."
-Anthony Manna: Teacher, Dobson High School, Mesa, AZ

"You taught me an important lesson in life.  Always be proud of who I am, and look at the bright side.  The word "hate" is officially off my vocabulary list.  You truly opened up my mind, and taught me so much."
-7th grader: Pueblo Del Sol School, Phoenix, AZ

"Your presentation was so inspiring and awesome, as you shared your story about hope, love, and respect with our seventh graders here at Westwind Elementary School."
-Jonathan Lade, Teacher, Westwind Elementary School

"I really appreciate you sharing your life story. You made me realize that being proud to be who you are is the thing that makes us special in our own way."
-7th grader: Pueblo Del Sol School, Phoenix, AZ

“Let me first begin by saying Mr. Knoblauch is amazing!  It was such a treat for the teachers and the students to have him speak.  What impressed me so much about Mr. Knoblauch is he really understands his audience…he presented the material in a way that the 5th and 6th grade students could understand.  His presentation opened the eyes of many students who needed to hear from someone of his stature about tolerance and respect.  I truly believe he is an inspiration, and should speak at schools throughout the area.”
-Gwen Lenz: Teacher, Porter Elementary School, Mesa, AZ

"Thank you so much for that motivating speech. I gave my dad and mom great big hugs once I got home.  Thank you for motivating me to be a better person."
-11th grader: Central High School, Phoenix, AZ

"Your experiences were really touching, and they made me realize the values of life.  You are a true inspiration because, even after going through so many bad things, you're so full of joy.  I am glad you spoke to us, and thanks again for the advice you gave to me and my classmates."
-11th grader: Central High School, Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you so much for educating our community and enriching the lives of so many students."
-Abigail Dolin, Counselor, Phoenix Union

"I truly appreciate Mr. Knoblauch coming to Porter Elementary. He had a poignant and timely message to share with our  fifth and sixth grade students. The students were so tuned in to his message that I'm sure they will continue to keep it in their hearts and minds for years to come."
-Cynthia Lieb: Teacher, Porter Elementary School, Mesa, AZ

Oskar's Awards and Interviews

2014: Architect of Change Award
-The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University

2014: Holocaust Survivor, Oskar Knoblauch, talks about pamphlets ordering Jews to register in Ukraine
-Channel 12 News, Phoenix

2014: Golden Rule Humanitarian Award
-Arizona Interfaith Movement

2014: What it is like to survive the Holocaust, Interview with Pat McMahon
-KTAR

2013: Characters Unite Award
-USA Network

2013: Certificate for Volunteerism
-Chandler Unified School District

2012: Days of Remembrance Observance Honor
-Luke Air Force Base

2012: Interview for Holocaust Artist Robert Sutz
-Channel 8, Phoenix

2012: Holocaust Survivor Interview
-Channel 12 News, Phoenix

2011: Courage and Determination and Commitment to Holocaust Education Honor - Dedication Tree and Bench
-Santan Junior High

For more photos and videos: facebook.com/VoiceOfTolerance