State Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso visited the Great Neck North Middle School and told an auditorium full of school children what it was like growing up in Italy during WWII and the Holocaust.
As a small boy, D’Urso was tasked with playing outside and calling out to his mother, in Italian, whenever he saw German soldiers approaching.
With his help, his family was able to save the lives of a large extended Jewish family (Sinigallia) in his hometown on the Mediterranean coast.
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A few months ago D’Urso made a trip to Italy to reunite with the descendants of the family which his family saved.
“I am glad that I had this opportunity to tell these school children about my life story,” the assemblyman said, “We must not forget our history and we must pass on our stories to future generations.”
The children listened to his stories and asked questions.
Sandi Cooper, a teacher at Great Neck South Middle school, arranged to have the Assemblyman come speak with the students.