This attitude led me to a decision that the fact that I survived
• should be looked at
• felt directly
• spoken out loud
• shared with others in my own family and also in open groups.
And thus, I should go through the process of internal development, even though it is painful.
I would like to stress that we are fortunate that my sons and my granddaughters confront with our family past. That is why, I am especially glad that my granddaughter, Naomi came from the United States to take part in this anniversary. Her sister, Nadja, would come also, if it was not for her scholarship obligations in Kenya.
This is how my biographical publication should be understood. The pain repressed for so long caused by the inhumane crimes and violence towards my (large) family and towards other people, revived now in the memories, is immense and for me difficult to bear.
Without Auschwitz my biography would be completely different, but Auschwitz cannot be treated like it never happened.
Without Auschwitz my own family, my three sons and my two granddaughters would have a different emotional heritage and different life.
My engagement for a peaceful future full of human respect is necessary for me. Auschwitz cannot be repeated.
Yet, proclaiming only “Never again” is not enough!
The solidified division between:
• those who push atrocities away from them, and
• those who confront with atrocities,
must be worked through together. I am one of the persons concerned, so I want to bring my own contribution.
I know that hatred and exclusion of individuals or groups will always lead to aggression and war. We know that a bridge is needed between various groups or ideologies to close the gap within the empathy between the differences most. Remedial process is thus necessary on both sides,
• both in the case of the persecuted victims and their descendants, and
• the members and descendants of the society of the perpetrators.
And in my opinion, coping with this is not a task to be performed only in isolation. These socially destructive processes, such as National Socialism (Nazism) cannot be resolved individually, but only collectively.
This can be done only
• by those who want understanding
• with being together.
I know that this message will not come true just upon request. It can only develop through an example in life:
If you, an engaged and remembering audience give an example of peaceful being together, there are great chances for a collective and just development of our society.
Thank you very much for your attention and openness to my difficult reflections.
Your mindful presence encourages me to continue my selected path towards agreement.
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