By Sam, ECYP Class of 2026
The parallels between the Holocaust and the institutions of slavery and Jim Crow are horrible, but remarkable. The institution of slavery relied heavily on the idea that people of African descent were less evolved or advanced than those of European descent. Even though genetic differences between races have been scientifically disproven time and time again, these ideas continue. The discrimination against Jews in 1930s Germany relied on the idea that Jews are an inferior race to that of the “Aryans”. Still, there are those who believe that Jews are an inferior group to others. White supremacy ideology motivated the discrimination against both groups.
Seeing the similarities between the memorial architecture of the holocaust and of the American south was profoundly meaningful. The visit allowed me to witness that similarities seemed almost intentional. At each of these sites, the messages seemed the same, that the horrific acts of violence and hatred were protected or perpetrated by the law. The fact that 6 million Jews died in the holocaust and 6 million African Americans died during slavery is a profoundly important connection. The scale of these two events was massive and there in-connectedness cannot be ignored.
ECYP’s trips also highlighted the importance of cooperation between communities. The allies may not have won WW2 without African American soldiers, and the impact of Jewish philosophers in Dr. King’s movement was profoundly relevant. The cooperation of communities is necessary always.
ECYP has given me a renewed perspective on the importance of building bridges between communities. Understanding our collective past helps us build a future together. Through our trip to the South and our trip to Eastern Europe, I feel more prepared to lead my community to support others when the time comes.
