“I didn’t cry” said Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman in her speech today at the Bundestag, sharing her incredible, unimaginable survival story and the set of “survival skills my mother taught me” during Tova’s childhood in the Ghetto and in Auschwitz, the worst place on earth.
In an emotional and remarkable speech that went to the core of our humanity, Tova showed how hatred can turn ordinary people into perpetrators of extraordinary evil. She warned us that “Antisemitism has not disappeared; it has adapted”.
It has adapted by making Jews afraid to speak the truth about Israel, by forcing Jews to hide their Jewishness in the public sphere, and by wrapping itself in the new language of “anti-Zionism”. The words may have changed, but the hatred behind them is the same as it was 80 years ago.
You did not cry then at the tender age of five, brave Tova, but today, you cried out to Germany to choose courage over comfort and responsibility over silence. To confront rising antisemitism not only with words but with policy, enforcement and education. Because the world our children inherit tomorrow will be defined by the actions we take today.
Full speech in the first comment
Welcome Home, Gali Berman
Gali, 28, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as was his twin brother Ziv.
He and Ziv worked as light & sound technicians and often traveled together.
They were very close, almost inseparable but held apart in cruel captivity.
Their family includes 2 older brothers, Liran and Idan and their parents.
Gali is described by friends as warm-hearted and outgoing, someone whose greeting “Shalom” would echo throughout the office and a friend who would always help others.
His family fought passionately for his safe return, keeping his name alive in public and diplomatic efforts.
Welcome home, Gali. Absolutely thrilled you’re back!
IDF: Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Hamas terrorist organization who was responsible for planning and executing the October 7th Massacre, has been eliminated.
This isn’t a happy birthday.
Naama Levy turns 20 in captivity today.
She has been held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for more than 8 months.
Naama, the entire country is fighting to bring you home.
@Bring_Naamalevy
Earlier this month, I met with Holocaust survivors at the White House to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. To Tova, Lazar, and Ella: thank you for your courage, bravery, and strength.
Hamas has claimed Responsibility for the Rocket Attack just now on Communities near Tel Aviv in Central Israel, with the Rockets seen being launched from the City of Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip.