On April 23 and 24, the David Labkovski Project visited Oak Park High School to recognize the tragedy of the Holocaust and educate others about Jewish culture and history.

The David Labkovski Project is a non-profit organization that aims to honor a part of history that should not be forgotten. Labkovski was a Jewish painter during the 1900s and painted several pieces depicting what Jewish life was like during the Holocaust and in concentration camps. His paintings now help teach others about what reality was like during this traumatic time.

Junior Marissa Kalan, one of the Student Docents and Ambassadors of the project, explained the event and briefed everyone on the meaning behind each painting.

“We had hundreds of OPHS students walk through the exhibit and learn about David’s legacy,” Kalan wrote to the Talon.

Today, it is important to educate and teach others about the Holocaust, so that an event like that will never happen again.

“Antisemitism has become a prevalent societal issue that I am passionate about preventing,” Kalan wrote. “I joined DLP to learn more about the Holocaust through art, and gain valuable leadership experiences by docenting.”

Kalan worked hard with the other Student Docent and Ambassador, junior Gabriella Paul, to present these pieces of art to the community of Oak Park. Both of them taught students and faculty about Labkovski’s life.

“Labkovski was a Holocaust survivor with a vital story to tell about his experiences,” Kalan wrote. “His artwork is a powerful portrayal of his journey.”