The fifth grade students at Lubavitch on the Palisades School had an incredible learning experience. They have been reading Journey to Jo’Burg by Beverly Naidoo. The novel is set in the 1980’s in South Africa during the time of apartheid. The students have been learning about the legal segregation in South Africa and how it impacted the black and white people of this beautiful country.

Chava Brodchandel, mother of Maya (5th grade), Perla (3rd grade) and Ziggy (nursery school) came to speak with the class. Mrs. Brodchandel was born in South Africa and lived there during that time. Her family left one year after this policy ended. Mrs. Brodchandel spoke so eloquently and the students were riveted by her words, asking amazing, thought-provoking questions. She spoke to the class about the diamond industry, daily life in South Africa and the politics of apartheid. The parents of Mrs. Brodchandel were instrumental in trying to end apartheid in South Africa. As a diamond dealer, her dad helped black people get jobs and treated them well. Her mom set up bank accounts for her workers.

History came alive in 5th grade as the students met with someone who lived through what they are learning about.