Students focused their research on the Pollak family, a Jewish family who lived in their town and whose lives had mostly been lost to history. This initial research led students to connect with a relative of the Pollak family, Mr Reuven Keffler of Jerusalem, who shared in their journey of discovery.

The students uncovered over 100 years of history of the family and their strong presence at the heart of the community in Petrijanec, sadly ending in their internment and murder during the Holocaust. The students also conducted research amongst other young people, revealing how few are aware of the history of a Jewish family in the town and the importance of bringing these stories to light.

Students received documents, photos and postcards from family descendants which they arranged into a chronological family history. This in turn enabled them to create a powerful presentation celebrating and memorialising the Pollaks’ links to the town.

Students presented their work at the ten year anniversary of the “Knowledge Against Hate” project, which encourages students to research and reflect on lesser known historical events and promote positive values ​​in society.  Students went on to work with the Mayor of Petrijanec to create an information board dedicated to the memory of the Pollak family and placed outside their original home.