Reflections on antisemitism and indifference
Since learning about Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago dinner with Kanye West and Nick Fuentes, two loathsome antisemites, last Tuesday night, I’ve reflected on one of the most profound memories of my lifetime. In January 2005, I had the great privilege to be in Elie Wiesel’s company as a member of the White House staff during the commemorations around the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Elie Wiesel survived Auschwitz. He survived Buchenwald. When he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, he was called a “messenger of mankind.”
As the Greatest Generation dies off, Elie Wiesel spoke about the importance of bearing witness:
Elie Wiesel also wisely spoke about indifference:
Have a listen to my thoughts on the meaning of Elie Wiesel’s words, and specifically about indifference — and the indifference of Republican leaders at this moment in time when we are seeing a sharp increase in the rise of antisemitism in America.
I hope that Steves's sobering post and audio today, his Warning, can be shared far and wide through social media forums, political leaders, and in classrooms. The silence, the cowardice, the indifference of the GOP party must be called out. It is our job to bear witness for those who witnessed the extermination of 6 million Jews. We must heed the words of Elie Wiesel and call out indifference. A call to action -Never Again!
Thank you, Steve. He suffered profoundly and yet was one of the most human of all beings. We all need to bear witness for those who cannot. ✌️