Contemporary Witness Manfred Hüllen Visits ISR Again

Yesterday, we had the honor of welcoming a very special guest to ISR for the second time: contemporary witness Mr. Manfred Hüllen. Having grown up in Düsseldorf and now residing in Hamburg, Mr. Hüllen shared his family history and personal experiences during the war and post-war years in Düsseldorf with remarkable openness and depth. For our Grade 9 students who attended the talk, history became tangible in a deeply moving and personal way.

At the heart of his visit was a powerful message to the younger generation: “You are the future. You all carry this power – the power of love – and it can overcome hatred and division.” His words resonated strongly, encouraging students to reflect on their role in shaping a more compassionate and responsible society.

Mr. Hüllen spoke candidly about the realities of war, including loss, fear, and uncertainty. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of looking forward, reminding students: “You have a great responsibility ahead of you.” He encouraged students to see themselves as engaged and articulate democrats and stressed that while differing opinions are natural, respectful dialogue and shared responsibility are fundamental to a healthy society. His message was clear: “Together, we can achieve far more!”

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which our ninth graders asked thoughtful and perceptive questions. Their strong engagement was closely linked to their history lessons, particularly their in-depth study of The Diary of Anne Frank, which enabled them to connect more deeply with Mr. Hüllen’s personal experiences. The impact of his visit was especially evident in the students’ feedback: two students approached our Head of Secondary School afterwards to share that this had been the most touching and engaging history lesson they could imagine. We are proud to provide such meaningful learning experiences that bring history to life and leave a lasting impression on our students.

We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hüllen and his companions for their dedication and invaluable contribution to democratic education. Their willingness to travel great distances to share their firsthand experiences is truly inspiring, helping to keep history alive while fostering a deep sense of responsibility for the future!