It Started With Words - Holocaust Survivors Give Stunning Testimonies

The "It Started With Words" conference brought together Holocaust survivors, historians, and educators to discuss the insidious progression from hateful rhetoric to genocide. Survivors delivered stunning testimonies, emphasizing how propaganda and dehumanizing language laid the groundwork for the atrocities that followed.

Panel discussions explored the parallels between historical antisemitism and contemporary forms of hate speech. "We must be vigilant," urged survivor David Bergman. "The patterns are recognizable. It always begins with words, with 'othering,' with stripping away humanity."

The conference also focused on educational strategies to equip young people with critical thinking skills to recognize and counter hate speech. Resources for educators were unveiled, including new curriculum modules developed by Project Witness.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to actively challenge prejudice and promote dialogue in their communities.