This week marked the passing of US Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo, CA). Congressman Lantos was a Hungarian born Jew who survived the holocaust. He never forgot the horrible experiences of his youth in the concentration camps and championed human rights in his many years in the House of Representatives.
When the “greatest generation” is discussed in this country I think we sometimes forget those who survived the war as well as those who fought it. I find it sad to see survivors of such horrors passing on. Lantos lived a long and fruitful life. His accomplishments were many. In the end mortality will catch up with us all, and cancer took Lantos at the age of 80.
We remember the holocaust to prevent its repetition. We also honor those who had their lives so brutally interrupted and then rose above their torturers with the mission of making life better for others.
Yom H’Shoah, the annual holocaust memorial, will be observed on May 1 this year. We should all take a minute to reflect on those who survived, and those who perished, and on those who contributed so much despite the intentions of their oppressors.
I know this goes beyond the original intention of this blog. At times I shall indulge myself by presenting other thoughts.
