We Learn From The Past…
Conversation Builds Character believes it is important to learn about the Holocaust because it is one of the most effective subjects for examining basic moral issues.
From January 1933 through May 1945, the Nazi German regime – along with its collaborators – conducted the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews. German authorities also targeted and killed other groups, including people with disabilities, gay men, repeat criminal offenders and nomadic peoples such as the Sinti and Roma. The Holocaust is the best documented instance of genocide in modern history.
What began as hateful words used by ordinary people escalated into discrimination, dehumanization and finally, genocide.
By studying the historical circumstances and events that led to this atrocity, we can learn critical lessons and insights into human behaviors that can help prevent us from repeating the same mistakes.
…So We Can Build a Brighter Future
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” —George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905
By learning about the behavioral and societal conditions that led to the Holocaust, we can challenge individuals to examine their own thoughts, speech, actions and inactions in light of its historical example.
By providing support for Holocaust education, Conversation Builds Character aspires to teach others how their individual decisions affect current day issues and our society as a whole. Our hope is that by developing mutual respect and understanding, people can learn to break down barriers and build a more peaceful and unified society.
To change the future, we first must understand the past. We must remember those who perished, so that we might learn why they died. And we must celebrate those who survived, so that we might learn how the heroic actions of others helped people in need.
“Never Again” is not yet a reality, and as long as one group of people is at risk, all people are at risk.
-Dee Dee Simon, Co-Founder, Conversation Builds Character