It can get worse

Here is a link to a New York Times article that claims to have found records that prove the Holocaust was far greater than we ever knew.

What does this mean for us? For many people, the Holocaust is easily the most horrifying event in human history. It is already a struggle for us to cope with it. And now? What if this is true, and it was even more shocking than we already think? Does it matter, if we already find it the worst scenario possible? Does this change your perception?

This article was published two days ago. People are still studying and documenting the horrors that occurred during WWII. It is still a raw wound, the conflict is still alive within us. We hope to see you tonight so we can wrestle with these questions, even if we might not answer them.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

― Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays 2, 1926-29

  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