February 9, 2026 — When history walks into a school, learning becomes deeply personal. At Campbell High School, students, families, and staff recently experienced a moment like that when 86-year-old Holocaust survivor George Rishfeld visited campus to share his story of survival, resilience, and hope.

Speaking to students and parents, Rishfeld offered a firsthand account of his childhood, shaped by courage and compassion. When he was just 3 years old, Rishfeld was rescued and hidden by a Catholic family during the Holocaust. He spent more than three years in hiding, sheltered in an apartment where silence and secrecy were matters of survival. 

“The reason I survived was because of a Catholic family that saved me,” Rishfeld shared. “I was in hiding for over three years with them, almost four, and my parents survived.” 

Learning Beyond the Textbook

For many students, the experience went far beyond what any textbook could offer. Hearing directly from someone who lived through one of history’s darkest periods brought new meaning to lessons about World War II and the Holocaust. It also reinforced the importance of empathy, understanding, and learning from the past. 

Rishfeld’s visit was made possible through the efforts of student leaders, including Maxwell Zhiss, president of the Campbell High School Jewish Cultural Club. He emphasized how meaningful it was to bring a living witness of history into the school community. 

“Holocaust survivors won’t be here forever, and that’s a sad thing to think about,” Zhiss said. “But it’s important that while we still have the opportunity to have people who went through such a dark time, history can live on.” 

That message resonated throughout the room. Students listened intently as Rishfeld spoke not only about survival but also about responsibility. He stressed that remembering history is essential to shaping a better future. “We’re never going to stop antisemitism because it goes back to the Romans,” Rishfeld said. “But we have to get it under better control, and the only way to do that is through education. And the story has to be told, and the people have to be educated.” 

At Cobb Schools, education is about more than academic achievement. It is also about preparing students to be thoughtful, informed members of their communities. Opportunities like this allow students to engage with history in ways that build understanding and personal growth. 

Rishfeld encouraged students to take what they learned beyond the school walls. 

“I hope that first they learn something,” he said, “and second of all, they go out into the street and into their lives fighting exactly what I’m fighting.” 

Teachers and administrators at Campbell High School noted that the event aligned with classroom learning goals and supported character development.

Student Leadership Makes it Possible

Students were able to ask questions, reflect on what they heard, and connect historical events to the world around them today. The program also highlighted the leadership role students can play in shaping meaningful learning experiences. Through clubs like the Jewish Cultural Club, students are helping bring diverse educational opportunities to their peers, fostering dialogue, and creating spaces for thoughtful conversation. For parents in attendance, the event served as a reminder of the value of community partnerships and real-world learning.

Events like this strengthen the connection between schools and families while reinforcing Cobb Schools’ commitment to providing well-rounded educational experiences. As the event concluded, one thing was clear: While history may be written in books, its lessons are best preserved when stories are shared face-to-face. By welcoming George Rishfeld to campus, Campbell High School ensured that students did not just learn about history; they also experienced it. They heard it, felt it, and carried it forward.

In Cobb Schools, moments like these reflect a shared commitment to learning, remembrance, and the power of education to shape a stronger future for every student.