Who are the people in the pictures? How old do you think Peter is at this time? Why? How does this diary display youth? What about this diary shows Peter cherished it?

Why was Hitler so influential to a young boy? Why did he not understand why Hitler's goals were destructive? How do you think Hitler persuaded the crowd? Why did his mother react that way?

Peter Feigl’s story is different from the story of Ann Frank. Peter Feigl came from a wealthy family and was an only child. His parents were Jewish but non-practicing. Peter did not identify with the Jewish community whatsoever. When the Nazi party arose, Peter’s parents had him baptized as a Catholic in hopes of his new religion saving his life. He was separated from his parents when they were sent to camps. He did not know for sure where they went, but as the war progressed, he came to the conclusion it could be the last time he got to see his parents. Although that sense of reality set in, he kept hope that he would be reunited with them after the war. He lived with many children refugees in a Catholic school and group home. Then, he was transferred to an internment camp where he attended school. He escaped France, but had to face interrogation from the Swiss officials. Fortunately, he was able to reach his goal of being free. He had living arrangements through connections of his parents. He later made it to the United States where he currently lives with his family.

It is important to teach another side to the story. Students need to learn that Ann Frank and Hitler are not the only two people worth knowing about during that event. I would allow student to see different perspectives and make their own conclusions. After, students can make connections from story to story. This will allow the students to get a more well-rounded idea of what actually happened and reasons for the actions and events of the time.

*Additional:

Full Diary can be found in Salvaged Pages Young Writers' Diaries of the Holocaust by Alexandra Zapruder