Steven Spielberg's Reflections on History and the Present Moment

Steven Spielberg received an honor from the University of Southern California on Monday. The renowned director was recognized for his founding of the USC Shoah Foundation in 1994. This organization aims to document and safeguard the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and witnesses. During his acceptance speech, Spielberg shared both cautionary words and messages of hope.

Spielberg emphasized the importance of listening to the stories of survivors, noting that “the echoes of history are unmistakable in our current climate.” He also warned that radical views can create “a dangerous environment” and ultimately result in “a society that no longer celebrates differences.”

The full transcript of the legendary director's remarks is provided below, reflecting the poignancy found in his best films.

Celina Biniaz, aged 92, was one of the few remaining Holocaust survivors from Oskar Schindler's List to be honored at the event. Biniaz's survival during the Nazi regime was attributed to her parents' employment by Schindler, a German businessman who hired Jews to shield them from the Nazis. At the age of 13, she managed to escape the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

The Shoah Foundation is gathering stories from survivors of the Hamas attacks in Israel in October as a part of their initiative to combat antisemitism through collecting testimonies.

Steven Spielberg speaking at the 2023 Time 100 Summit in New York City in April.

Steven Spielberg speaking at the 2023 Time 100 Summit in New York City in April.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

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When the initiative was announced in November, Spielberg expressed that both the recording of survivor interviews from the October 7 attacks and the ongoing collection of Holocaust testimony aim to keep the promise made to survivors. The promise is to ensure that their stories are documented and shared to preserve history and to work towards a world free from antisemitism and all forms of hate.

The USC Shoah Foundation was created by Spielberg after the release of his film "Schindler's List" in 1993. It was during conversations with survivors who visited the film set that he was inspired to establish the organization. Today, the foundation serves as an archive for over 56,000 testimonies from witnesses of the Holocaust and other atrocities against humanity.

‘Never again’

Here are Spielberg’s full remarks:

Good afternoon, everyone. It warms my heart to be here today, 30 years after the Shoah Foundation was established and 20 years since the University of Southern California became our partner. We are here to celebrate our achievements and look towards our future goals. I am thankful to President (Carol) Folt for her leadership and support. Let's show our appreciation for her dedication to our cause.

Throughout my career, I have been privileged to share stories. Stories are the essence of history, they are powerful and captivating. They can be inspiring, frightening, and leave a lasting impact. They provide a glimpse into the beauty and tragedy of humanity. Stories are our strongest tool in combating antisemitism and hatred. The Holocaust, also known as 'the great murders' in my family, is a story that has been passed down to me from my parents.

In my grandparents’ home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I lived until I was three, my grandmother, Jenny, taught English to Hungarian Holocaust survivors. Even at a young age, I would often sit at the table during these lessons. It was there that I learned how to count - not in school, but by observing the numbers tattooed on the survivors' arms.

One man kindly rolled up his sleeve and showed me what the number five looked like, then the number three, and followed by a seven. He then said, 'Want to see a trick? This is a nine. But watch closely, when I move my arm like this, now it's a six. It's a nine, then becomes a six.' Even though I was just three years old at the time, this memory has stayed with me ever since.

Years later, during my high school years in California, I found myself as one of the few Jewish students in the school. I faced antisemitism in various forms - through words, physical acts, and even silent exclusion. It was a stark reminder that the impact of discrimination against Jews was still very much present, despite the passing of decades since the Holocaust. The connection between my grandmother's stories and my high school experiences felt uncomfortably close, emphasizing that antisemitism was not confined to World War II.

As the production of Schindler's List approached, delving into the darkness of the Holocaust became essential. Amidst the somber atmosphere, a ray of light shone through whenever Holocaust survivors visited us in Krakow. Each survivor had a poignant story to share, yet it troubled me deeply that their narratives were not being preserved as evidence of the atrocities committed against them and the Jewish population of Europe.

By sharing these stories on camera, we are preserving a permanent record for families, history, education, and future generations. This has become our mission at the Shoah Foundation. Even 30 years later, we remain dedicated to giving these voices the chance to be heard. The 56,000 testimonies we have collected are crucial in passing down the lessons of survivors for generations to come - "Never again. Never again. Never again."

Listening to these testimonies, we hear the echoes of history in our current society. The rise of extremist views has created a dangerous environment of radical intolerance, leading to a society that no longer values differences but instead seeks to demonize those who are different, ultimately creating a sense of "the other."

The concept of "the other" is harmful and divisive within our communities. It promotes prejudice by distorting reality to fit preconceived notions. This mindset fuels extremism and intolerance, as evidenced by the discrimination faced by Jewish, Muslim, Arab, and Sikh individuals on college campuses. Dehumanizing any group based on their differences is a tactic commonly used by fascist ideologies. It is crucial to remember history to prevent repeating the same mistakes.

I am deeply concerned about the possibility of history repeating itself, forcing us to once again fight for the right to be Jewish. Despite facing persecution, we have always shown resilience and empathy as a people.

We stand against the heinous acts of the October 7 terrorists and mourn the loss of innocent lives in Gaza. Today, we gather to honor the important work of the Shoah Foundation, which is more vital now than ever before.

In the aftermath of the tragic events on October 7, it is essential to combat political violence fueled by misinformation and ignorance. Preventing the spread of antisemitism and all forms of hatred is crucial for the well-being of our democratic society and the future of democracy worldwide.

This brings us back to celebrating 30 years of capturing stories that must never be forgotten. The 56,000 testimonies we have recorded serve as a foundation for building bridges, and at the USC Shoah Foundation, we are actively constructing these bridges.

During a recent gathering of survivors, 82-year-old Hana Rychik expressed a sentiment that resonates with many of us. She shared her hope for the safety and eventual return home of those currently held captive in Gaza. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of peace, understanding, and mutual respect among all individuals.

I hope that in the future, when future generations gather around their grandparents' kitchen tables, they will hear Hana's story just like I did many years ago. It is important for them to hear about the courage of the past, which the Shoah Foundation continues to document. We have worked hard to ensure that history does not repeat itself, and we celebrate the survival and vitality of the Jewish people. Our belief in a fair and just world for all, along with Hana's eternal wish for peace, understanding, and human dignity, will always guide us.

When Hana's wish comes true, we can look forward to a world where basic freedoms are universal, regardless of nationality, culture, or religion. This will truly be the most uplifting story ever told.

Editor's P/S:

Steven Spielberg's acceptance speech at USC highlights the profound importance of preserving and sharing Holocaust survivor testimonies. The rise of extremism and intolerance in present times echoes the dangers of the past, and it is imperative to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred to prevent history from repeating itself. The Shoah Foundation's work in collecting and safeguarding these stories serves as a vital reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the ongoing need for vigilance against discrimination and oppression.

Moreover, Spielberg emphasizes the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history and its relevance to the present. By listening to the stories of survivors, we can gain insights into the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. These stories not only serve as a warning against the dangers of hatred but also inspire hope for a future where mutual respect and understanding prevail. against those who seek to divide society. By sharing the stories of survivors and fostering understanding, we can work towards a future where differences are celebrated rather than feared, and where peace and human dignity prevail.