Today we went to Howard’s hometown, their local civic center, and the place where the pogrom took place. I did not expect everything to move me the way it had. When we were at the civic center and in the discussion center, the local students had made it known that the Jewish culture that had once been so rich in their neighborhood was not being taught to them. It was even more shocking to find out that before today’s event, they weren’t informed on it at all. It was sad to think a once so lively group of people had disappeared. But once we were at the center of the town with the recent and previous mayor to honor the Jews that had died, I felt a sudden joy and victory take over me. Howard and Classrooms Without Borders’ efforts have truly brought light to the past that had been the heart of the town and bring honor to the 4500 Jews from there who died.
Going to Kielce made me question humanity. I could not wrap my head around why neighbors or simply fellow human beings betray one another. The war was over. There was not a Nazi to please nor a agenda; just hate and a lack of tolerance. It was a crime of passion. They did not shoot them and leave like I had assumed. They went into a building of innocent people and slaughtered, tortured, and mutilated them. The lesson I had taken from being there was that we are morally obligated to help others in the face of such injustices, and we cannot deny the right to life everyone possesses. Ignorance and fear can be just as effective as a gas chamber or gun.