Holocaust Survivor Turns Tragedy Into Triumph, Seeks To Prevent Forgetfulness, Repetition Of History

Holocaust Survivor Ben Lesser Turns Tragedy Into Triumph, Seeks To Prevent Forgetfulness, Repetition Of History

Following is the bio of Ben Lesser, interviewed below by award-winning filmmaker Cindy Mich:

Ben Lesser is an author, public speaker and a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor. Out of his immediate family of seven, Ben and his sister Lola were the only survivors of the Holocaust. He endured four concentration camps, two death marches, and two death trains. 1995 is when his labor of love commenced. He would go on to pen a biography entitled, “Living a Life That Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to American Dream”, and said book highlights his liberation and the aftermath of the Holocaust. 2009 was the establishment of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, which encourages today’s youth to continue to share the stories of survival long after survivors are gone. Ben began to travel all around the world to stand in front of students, business professionals, synagogues, and churches to tell his story.

He would further display his dedication to education by developing the Zachor Holocaust Curriculum. This is an interactive teaching tool that offers turn-key lesson plans, videos, photography, and personal anecdotes. To combat against hatred, Lesser created the I-SHOUT-OUT project, whose main goal is to garner six million SHOUT-OUTS to speak for the six million who were silenced during the Holocaust. Lastly, due to the current condition of our country, Ben made the choice to shoot a PSA speaking out against antisemitism, which he hopes will reach six million homes. For more information on Ben and the Foundation, please visit:   https://www.zachorfoundation.org/

1. You hold many titles: author, public speaker, and CEO – but also Holocaust survivor. Why do you feel some deny that this historical event happened?

BL – When history is not taught, history is repeated. Teachers for seventh grade and beyond have so much to teach that when instructing on World War II, the amount of material becomes overwhelming. At times, they tend to gloss over that period. Hence, since they did not learn about it in schools, many deny it. It wasn’t until recently that United States legislation passed Holocaust and genocide education. Currently, twenty-nine states mandate Holocaust education.

It is also not easy because many survivors are not here anymore to tell their story. Seeing and hearing an eye-witness is believing. It has a greater impact than words in a history book. That is why our foundation created the first ever Holocaust Curriculum taught by a survivor. Created by teachers for teachers, The Zachor Holocaust Curriculum (zachorlearn.org) is a toolbox for teachers, students and enthusiasts to utilize for FREE. We have also created an Artificial Intelligence of myself where anyone can ask questions, and I will answer long after I am here.

2. I understand that I could never cover your entire story within one article. So, I will leave it to you to share whatever you wish as to the details surrounding what you endured during the Holocaust.

BL- I am here for a reason: to tell everyone about the time when the world went mad. There is so much of my personal history that is bigger than an article. I recommend you read my book. “Living a Life That Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to American Dream”. Within these pages, I share both details about my life through the Holocaust, but also how I was able to live a life that has meaning afterwards.

3. In doing research, I learned that your sister Lola had been the only other survivor in your family. Would you tell readers about who she was, and what you want them to remember about her?

BL- She was beautiful. We were very close. Also, my book has greater details of what she went through – from our separation to a miraculous reunion after liberation. She since moved to Brooklyn, NY where her family made a beautiful life for themselves. She was a renowned artist. Some of the artwork I share in my book and website were pieces she painted that were her recollections during our Holocaust journey. She passed away nearly ten years ago.

4. Once you were liberated, was it challenging to resume what others what call a regular life? Had you ever had time to mourn your losses?

BL- I don’t think I will ever stop mourning my losses. Despite Hitler, I lived a life that matters. A life that has meaning. That is why I made it my mission to never stop talking about what happened to me and to the millions of others who did not survive.

5. Many state that they have returned back to visit concentration camps and also spend time with fellow survivors. What was this experience like?

BL- One of the hardest things I have ever had to face was returning back to these camps. I went quite a few times; once with my sister Lola and wife Jean. It was very emotional. Never thought I would go back. However, I thought about it and the importance of going with the rest of my family and others through March of the Living to show my loved ones and students that I am a living survivor. I am here as an eye witness to show you that this did happen. I was here.

6. 2009 was the time you started the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation. Please identify some of the biggest achievements of the Foundation thus far, in your mind.

BL- It is not about the achievements. It is about making an ever-lasting impact. It is about NEVER FORGET. NEVER AGAIN.

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7. In 2012, you published a book entitled Living A Life That Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to American Dream. Why was it important for you to write this memoir? I understand that there will be a re-release of this publication in the future. Will this include an expansion of accessibility, as in will this be available in schools, libraries and bookstores?

BL- The book is already being utilized in schools worldwide. It has been published in German and French. As for re-release, I have found that every time I speak, I remember more and more details. Historians and Professors have also reached out providing more historical facts and references regarding timelines, distances etc. which will also be updated in the book. The biggest example is that it wasn’t 3,000 that entered the notorious death train from Buchenwald to Dachau – it was nearly 7,000.

8. In today’s society, it seems as though everyone is becoming more comfortable with allowing hate and ignorance to dictate their everyday lives. What do you feel needs to happen in order for us to gravitate more towards a place of love and awareness?

BL- I tell everybody, choose love not hate. I have come to understand that so much of what happens in life is the result of seemingly simple choices. We must be able to accept one another to end this hate. Make the right choice. Learn from the past, and choose to be an advocate for change.

9. Could you please share with our readers one or two life lessons you have learned in your 95 years of living? What are a few pieces of wisdom you have passed along to your children/grandchildren that will help them navigate their own life trials/tribulations?

BL- There are so many that I tell, and not just to my family – but anyone I come across with over time. Here are a few:

“It is possible to let tragedy or trauma to become a reason to stop living. But, it is also possible to lift through extreme circumstances and to commit to a life that has meaning. A life that matters.”

“Education, more than anything else, allows us to evaluate circumstances, make good choices and take effective action. It is our best weapon against ignorance and hate.”

10. Lastly, looking back through all of the years, what do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

BL- My family. Despite Hitler, who wanted to abolish anyone who wasn’t part of the Aryan race, I made a beautiful life for my family and myself. That is my greatest accomplishment.

Banner Image: Ben Nesser. Image Credit – Cindy Mich