Like the events of the Holocaust, it is easier to deny such memories than to free oneself from their reality. Teaching and learning require a courage found among those who choose to tell, listen, believe and remember. As a survivor and a witness to the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust I need an assurance, that the memories of my dear ones, and the memories of millions of other innocent dear ones, will never be forgotten . It is important for me to know that wherever there is a child, boy or girl, a young adult, mother or father, grandmother or grandfather who has a terrible hurt, such as a death in the family, domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, acts of bigotry and hatred, that there will be people like you and me who will listen, who will believe in them, who will believe what they have to say, remembering them with love, and give them hope. As free woman and a survivor who lived under two dictatorships, I hope you will never take your freedom for granted.
Freedom comes with responsibility.
I ask that you please remember my story and think of it as a stop sign whenever you are witness to acts of hatred. Finally, my hope for each of you listening to me tonight, is no matter how horrific a memory, or haunting a feeling to which you may be asked to bear witness, that in your heart, you will know that there is the strength to go on, and the strength to give hope. An Invitation to Dialogue. In The Family Therapy Network Symposium , 714-424 A and B . The Authority of Silence in Elie Wiesel's Art.