In a journal entry from Abraham Lewin, he writes “Future generations will not believe.” In a time where anti-semitism is on the rise, I wasn’t shocked to see this. In an age of being more connected than ever before, the wrong voices have started to rise up again and gain a foothold. This statement doesn’t surprise me, but when it was written did. Lewin wrote this idea from the Warsaw Ghetto on August 16th 1942. The war hadn’t even ended. The internet didn’t exist. And yet, he knew this would change throughout the coming generations.
Going into the trip, I wanted to learn how I can help keep information correct. How I could help to stop lies being spread. What I found in people like Fredy Hirsch and Janusz Korczak was to stay inspired with the work I’m doing now. Sometimes I need to be reminded that as a teacher, the impact I have right now with students is my greatest platform. I hope to be able to teach them what I’ve learned of hope and joy the way maybe Fredy or Janusz would have taught or cared for their students.
In a modern example, I was blown away by the example of leadership that is Jonathan Ornstein. He is a great modern example of having hope and helping those around us. In a recent clip on the Krakow JCC’s Instagram, Jonathan says “Hope rebuilds.” I feel like in my travels to Poland, I was taught most by the simple lessons. Simple examples of what I can do. Help my neighbor, teach my students, be a decent person (as Howard Chandler would say).
I’ve always thought that hope was a powerful word. I knew it had action in your mind, but I never knew that it could manifest change physically. I’ve learned in Poland that hope can have physical power. I’ve learned that joy can preserve individuals and a group. Hope and joy are what keeps a story remembered and moving forward.
Hope is an act of resistance. Joy is an act of resistance. Hope rebuilds.
