Page 25 - Issue 22

that I learned in Poland were put into practice in subtle,
unnoticeable ways. I was beginning to open myself out more
to others and I was willing to be supportive of anyone in my
kvutza. I talked seldom about the Trip to Poland with people I
worked at the ken since they went to Poland also and talked
about the cities we visited. Moreover, the trip to Poland was
an experience that I didn’t enjoy at first following its end.
Looking back at this experience, I realize now that this
helped reshape my opinions and understanding of the
Holocaust. Even though this event was marred in the blood
and bodies of millions of people, it also represented a time
where people could also challenge against oppression and
take up arms against an intolerant, prejudice system. It is
plausible enough that my kvutza, the youth movement, and I
could take up arms and in order to safeguard the dignity of
humanity. However, education and creating a dialogue
between two equal forces is the way to maintain peace and
cooperation in the world rather than conflict. The many
victims that lost their lives to sheer discrimination can’t be
tolerated because of how each of their lives had a different
story. The many heroes who lost their lives by fighting an
unjust and fear mongering system can be commemorated
because of their inability to allow their spirits of dignity,
liberation, and tolerance to be extinguished by the flames of
futility, bondage, and intolerance. In writing one of the most
difficult topics, I know that my experience in Poland
formulated an alternative insight. This period was never
buried in the darkness, basked in the light, but concealed in
the veil of the fog.

“There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though
they have long been extinct. There are people whose
brilliance continues to light the world even though they are
no longer among the living. These lights are particularly
bright when the night is dark. They light the way for
humankind.” -Hannah Senesh