Steven Spielberg Delivers POWERFUL Plea: 'Don't Let History Repeat Itself'

By Jennifer Wentworth | Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:30 AM
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Steven Spielberg Delivers POWERFUL Plea: 'Don't Let History Repeat Itself'

Esteemed filmmaker Steven Spielberg expressed his growing apprehension about the resurgence of antisemitism, particularly within university environments, during a speech at the University of Southern California.

He emphasized the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating past mistakes.

"Every day, we witness the machinery of extremism operating on college campuses," Spielberg stated on Monday. He further revealed that "a staggering 50 percent of students report encountering some form of discrimination due to their Jewish identity."

He noted that this trend is not isolated to antisemitism, but also extends to discrimination against Muslims, Arabs, and Sikhs. "The construction of 'the Other' and the dehumanization of any group based on their differences is the bedrock of fascism," Spielberg asserted during the event marking the 30th anniversary of the Shoa Foundation, an organization he established in 1994. "This is an old strategy that has been revived and is being widely disseminated today!"

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Spielberg shared personal anecdotes from his childhood, recalling his encounters with Holocaust survivors and learning about antisemitism from his family. He also spoke about his own experiences with discrimination as a young student.

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"I am increasingly alarmed that we may be condemned to repeat history – to once again have to fight for the very right to be Jewish," Spielberg expressed. "Despite the brutality and persecution, we have always been a resilient and compassionate people who understand the power of empathy. We can express outrage over the horrific acts committed by the terrorists on October 7th, while also condemning the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza."

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In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks, Spielberg denounced the killings as "unspeakable barbarity" and advocated for "a world devoid of antisemitism or any form of hate."

"Those who fail to remember the past are doomed to repeat it," Spielberg reiterated on Monday. "I am increasingly alarmed that we may be condemned to repeat history – to once again have to fight for the very right to be Jewish."

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He concluded by emphasizing the "crucial" role of his organization, the Shoah Foundation, in combating "political violence fueled by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and ignorance."

"It is crucial because halting the rise of antisemitism and any form of hate is vital to the health of our democratic republic and the future of democracy across the civilized world," he stated.

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