G. J. Venezia

Mr. Lesser,

I can not begin to share my gratitude for the time you shared with us earlier in the week. My name is Giovanni, the one who escorted you to the library, and was very happy to do so. From right there, I could tell you were a very kind soul, and patient at that, dealing with bad traffic directions. This is something I will carry me for the rest of my life and truly impact humanity, as you and your fellows share your message. God needed a witness-Furthermore, he needed to show light on these acts, in hopes our world will change for the better.

There are several things that truly stuck with me as I listened to the words come from your mouth, recreating imagery like a painter throws himself on the canvas. I cannot fathom the pure atrocities you must have witnessed, rather, lived through. But you managed only to make the best of your circumstances. You didn't let the controlling attempts of others take over your life. Instead, you fought to survive. And after you were liberated, you fought out into the world. Most people would have directly quit right then and there, deeming their life useless and pitying themselves. But not you sir.Your words stuck with me; "This is America! I believe that hard work, studying, will allow you to get where you want. This allows for opportunities, and you can do what you want to do."

It resembled one life game of poker. You may have not been given the best cards, but you held on to them., and raised your opponent, only to win the pot.

The other major impact you made on me was understanding the value of humility, and compassion. I left that discussion thinking more as a man. When we went on with our day, I did not hesitate at all to share my love with those around me of whom I care for. To think ... all you did was fight, remaining strong for your family. Taking the lashes for your uncle, completely willingly, was a story not only of valor, but of showing the true value of the human heart. It inspired me to really know what a man was, and that was it, acting strongly for his family. I did not hesitate all day to tell family and dear friends I loved them, knowing any moment could be the last opportunity to do so. I called my grandmother right before I went to sleep. Alarmed, yet happily surprised, I shared with her the value of your words, and harnessing every opportunity to make life work to its fullest. Now whenever my sister and I may argue, or I may disagree with my mother, and just turn around and kiss her on the head. Those are little petty things, that mean nothing in a grander scheme.

The Holocaust and the monstrous people of it really shined light to a problem existing in humanity today. As awful as it was, it shone a light on the awful tendencies that do exist in man. It truly validated my thinking in the way that our interactions with each other are coming from the wrong places. Bullying and control is an awful thing-I know call people out, tell them of their injustices towards another human being. When they ask why, I tell them that its little things like this that blew up into the Holocaust. One group saw itself as superior; and furthermore decided to pass BLAME on a group of people instead of holding responsibility of its own. Cowardly, awful, and leading to true injustice. I hope that my fellows, and me included, really learn a lesson from this. Superiority is not right, and never be afraid to call someone out on it. "The world just stood silent." And that was probably the greatest mistake of all. These lessons I will never forget, and make it part of my life's goal to maintain what I have learned. Zachor, we will. And learn, we will.

With warm regards and many thanks,
G. J. Venezia
Student