It’s only Jews…
My favorite college professor, who later became a friend taught valuable lessons that I hope to pass on to my children.
Larry Rudner was fascinated by the Holocaust. He lost 3 grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles in Treblinka, an extermination camp in Poland.
I was fortunate enough to take his Holocaust course. The first day was very memorable. The first question Professor Rudner asked was how could something like a Holocaust happen? After many different answers he asked, “could this happen again?” Before he would let the class answer he admonished one of the students in the class who was dressed very shabbily. He began to pick on the student by pointing out that nobody should attend class dressed like that and engaged the class to comment.
When it became apparent the class was also piling on this student, I spoke up and defended the student. I was promptly instructed to shut up or I would be the next victim of his critique. For a while, I sat there in stunned silence until reengaging the professor who continued to whip up on my classmate.
It was then he stopped. He looked sad and then he spoke. “The student and I had planned this event in advance. He purposely dressed poorly to help me make my point. Holocausts are started by the power hungry; beating up on those that cannot or will not defend themselves. Holocausts grow when those who know better, are stronger, sit by, and let it happen or are willing participants. Silence is willing participation. So far, only one person will pass this class. Now get out of my sight.” That was day one…
Those who did not stand up against Kristallnacht (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krystalnacht) found it harder and harder to maintain their personal freedoms (especially and ironically religious freedom) in their own country or stop a movement that would haunt many untill the end of their lives. Those who justify their silence by thinking, “It’s only Jews, members of our community, someone else’s kid, or that quiet neighbor” are often unaware of who is next in line.
Note: Larry Rudner wrote several novels on the Holocaust. His last novel was published shortly after he died of brain cancer. Shalom my friend. 
