30th Anniversary Guardians Commemorative Book - Book - Page 203
IMPRINTING THE
LESSONS
The Holocaust was
a major historical
event in the history
of civilization. This
genocide that occurred before
and during World War II is one
of the greatest catastrophes of
modern times—the consequence
of immoral action. That is why I
believe it is critically important
that its lessons be imprinted on
the memory of civilization.
The United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum serves as the
voice of conscience. It honors the
memory of all the victims and
survivors through its endeavors in
education and outreach. A time will
come when all the survivors are gone
and the Holocaust becomes only a
distant memory. What the Museum
does so well is make it possible for
people to relate these events to their
own lives. It goes beyond simply
displaying or portraying things
that have happened in the past.
It’s not just a repository or a static
institution—it’s alive; it reaches out to
the world through its programs and
even the many languages in which
visitors can experience the website.
I feel grateful to support the
Museum’s educational efforts to
make present and future generations
aware of the greatest tragedy in my
lifetime, and of the moral imperative
to combat genocide wherever it
occurs. It’s a matter of tikkun olam:
each of us has the opportunity to do
something to help heal the world.
That creed has guided my efforts in
medical research and practice, and it
underlies my sense of personal moral
responsibility to help secure the
future of this institution.”
SAFEGUARDING TRUTH FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS l 201
