A Holocaust survivor received an honorary high school diploma Wednesday at the Kent School District fall graduation.
On Wednesday Henry Friedman, who is an award-winning and long-time volunteer with the school district, was honored during a ceremony at the district’s board room in the administration building.
"When I was going through the graduation of my children from high school to college and my grandchildren I always felt a little emptiness," said Friedman.
Friedman grew up in Poland. Instead of attending high school, he was in hiding with his family to avoid being sent to labor camps during the Holocaust. They were liberated by the Russians and among fewer than 100 Jews who survived out of a Jewish population of more than 10,000.
"I was deprived of education when Nazi Germany occupied the area, which was in 1941, and I was at that time 13 years old," said Friedman.
In 1949 Friedman moved to the Seattle area. He served in the Korean War, married and had three children, and enjoyed a successful career in business. He volunteered with the Kent School District for more than 20 years.
Friedman helped establish the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and is the founder and chairman of the Washington Holocaust Education Resource Center. He will soon oversee the grand opening of the Henry and Sandra Friedman Holocaust Center for Humanity in downtown Seattle.
“When we found out one of Mr. Friedman’s great life regrets was not receiving his high school diploma, we decided to honor him by bestowing one,” said Superintendent Dr. Edward Lee Vargas. “Mr. Friedman’s story is an inspiration and shows our younger graduates that no matter what obstacles they face in life, there is a strength within them that will help them succeed.”
Friedman was also the commencement speaker at the ceremony, addressing students who completed requirements for graduation over the summer
"My message is never give up hope, never give up hope," said Friedman.
KIRO
