Katijene S.

Dear Ben Lesser,

Thank you so much for speaking to my school in Spokane. My class has been studying the Holocaust for several weeks, but it never seemed truly real until you came and told your story.

I can hardly understand how difficult it must be for you to speak, bringing back old memories, but I must tell you how much it impacted me. I cannot believe what human beings did during that time. One part of your speech that I will not forget is what you said about the Nazi smashing your neighbor’s newborn into the wall.

I hope an event like the Holocaust never happens again, but that is what everyone says. It may just be human nature: hatred and cruelty, but I like to think of humans as essentially good. If enough people remember the stories of genocide survivors, we could avoid future genocides. I, for one, will do my best to speak out in the face of injustice.

Your speech inspired me. I realized that I have had a very fortunate childhood, so that much more is expected of me. I plan to go to college and get my masters or a PhD. My plans for the future are not finalized yet, but I know that I will try my hardest in everything I do because I am a lucky one.

I will never forget the Holocaust and I will treasure my pin forever. Whenever I look at it, I remember you and the abominations that occurred in Germany. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak and for reminding me not to forget.

Sincerely,
Katijene S.