Students from the local school came to help us today.

Wiktoria and Weronika collect trash and debris.

These young ladies just finished 8th grade and are headed to high school in Kutno in September. They tell me they feel excited about the change, but also a little anxious.

We have been talking in English. They have all studied the language so it’s good practice for them.

Before they began their work, I also showed them around the cemetery and talked a little about Żychlin’s Jewish history. I’m not sure they knew that before World War II, half or more of the inhabitants of the city were Jewish.

Asked why they came to help today, they said, simply, they were asked. One added, I wasn’t doing anything else.

We hope we’re planting some seeds of interest and perhaps a sense of recognition that Jewish history is part of Żychlin history. Maybe in future they will continue to preserve the cemetery even when we descendants can’t be here.

Also working hard today are David and Liana Goren. Liana has already mastered all the equipment. Steven calls her his apprentice.

I’m far less capable than anyone else, but I’m stubborn. There’s a lot of ground to cover so even my awkward contributions help.