2023 30thAnniversaryCommemorativeBook SINGLEPAGES-small - Flipbook - Page 106
REINFORCING
RESPONSIBILITY
What is important
about the Holocaust is
not simply the events
but the lessons:
The fragility of democracy. The
dangers of indifference. The
connection between prejudice,
scapegoating, and stereotyping to
how we treat people who are
different. Taking responsibility. How
was the Holocaust even possible in a
part of the world that was civilized,
and how did millions of bystanders
allow these atrocities to happen?
The perpetrators had education. The
country had a constitution. How did
a civilized society and its institutions
and people fail so miserably to protect
others? What does the Holocaust
reveal about human behavior, human
nature, and human potential?
The United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum raises and
interprets these provocative
questions and shares the lessons
so such events are never repeated.
Further, its prominent location
on our National Mall makes a
huge statement. It declares that
104 l UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM LEGACY OF LIGHT GUARDIANS
the Holocaust was a major event in
world history, with an impact and
ramifications that should be studied.
It also affirms that the Holocaust
offers lessons about the role and
responsibilities of a government
to protect its population and its
obligation when human rights
are abused in other countries. It
makes the Holocaust part of our
collective national psyche.
Serving on the Council, I’ve seen
the importance of the Museum’s
educational resources for students
and Holocaust scholars and the race
against time to collect and safeguard
artifacts. Whether it’s reading or
hearing the testimonies or absorbing
the exhibits, one is faced with so
many questions for discussion.
During the war, the US Jewish
community lacked sufficient access
and a strong enough voice. That
will never happen again. We are
committed to the Museum and to
advocacy because it’s our duty to
have our voices heard.”