A quote that we all must keep in mind, especially as the event draws near and the class reaches the end of its preparations. Discussion groups are going into detailed research; poster-makers seek out visual resources. Press release reminds the community of our important role as witnesses through Mr. Wiesel. The result is this– we are learning more and more about the Holocaust, and much of this is painful.
Why do this? Why make teenagers learn about the deceit of a government, the corruption of a people, the great evil that humans are capable of committing? Has it not passed? What good does it do to suffer uncomfortably through these facts, memoirs, horrifying photographs? What good does it do to drag the rest of the community in with us?
Because we owe the victims this. Because we are responsible to understand their suffering. Because unless we understand, we are doomed to repeat. Because even if we ignore them? It's all still true.
"What would I do
with one million Jews? Where would I put them?"
- a British
diplomat, refusing to deal from the Nazis: a million Jews for 10,000 trucks
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments and questions are welcome, along with your thoughtful and polite contributions and encouragement. All comments are moderated, meaning they will be screened before publishing.