Upstanders needed

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

Recently, we were privileged to honor a true hero at our annual fundraising event, “Triumph of Courage.” Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire (retd), a celebrated advocate for Human Rights, is the epitome of an “Upstander.”

He was the Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda prior to and during the worst genocide since the Holocaust. He warned the international community of the increasingly dangerous situation caused by hate-fueled violence in the country. Instead of allowing him to intervene, he was ordered to withdraw his troops. He and a small contingent of Ghanaian and Tunisian soldiers and military observers, however, felt it was their moral obligation to remain behind. Disobeying orders, they tried to protect those who had sought refuge from the violence with the U.N. forces.

General Dallaire said he lives everyday with the terrible tragedy he witnessed. He has devoted himself to educating people about the importance of conflict resolution and addressing human rights issues around the world. The world needs more “Upstanders” like General Dallaire.

When you look at the “Ten Stages of Genocide” classification by Dr. Gregory Stanton, Founding President of Genocide Watch, it is shocking to see several contemporary human rights violation issues clearly fall within his ranking system. Why haven’t we learned from the lessons of the Holocaust?

Students in the Museum

Gen. Dallaire with Rwandan children

Each day, the news carries reports of hate-fueled violence against those deemed “other.” Countries continue to allow the persecution of minority groups. Why does disinformation about the Holocaust and other genocides continue to circulate? Why are the deniers of the Holocaust, the most-documented genocide in history, still given credence?

In past columns, we’ve shared survey results, which revealed the lack of basic information about the Holocaust on the part of many adults and college students in the U.S. and Europe. A recent study among teenagers found, unsurprisingly, that most get their news from social media. This also includes their knowledge of the Holocaust and its history. Given the amount of disinformation circulating on that platform in general, it is more important than ever to support organizations, like our Museum, that offer credible Holocaust Education programs.

Our student education programs and teacher workshops provide not only the factual, historical information about the Holocaust, but also the personal stories of local Southwest Florida residents who are survivors and liberators. Sharing those stories forges important personal bonds with the young people and adults who hear them. We know stories like these have a lasting impact because of the comments we receive from Museum visitors and former school field trip students.

We can help change people’s behavior. We teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire people of all ages to act against bigotry, hatred and violence. It will take all of us to diminish hate in our world. Our positive actions on behalf of those in need, our respect and empathy for others can make all our communities a better place.

One person’s smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Join our efforts and be that person for your family, friends and neighbors. Make a difference — you, too, can be an “Upstander” like General Dallaire.