Ben Lesser is a Holocaust survivor devoted to educating future generations on the genocide through a firsthand account. At 95 years old, Lesser continues to maintain the ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, a non-profit organization he founded in 2009.
His memoir, “Living a Life that Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to American Dream,” recounts Lesser’s firsthand experience to prevent the repetition of hatred and torture. The historical perspective demonstrates his ability to turn life around and create one with meaning.
Lesser described his experience waking up from a coma after the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and immigrating to the United States a year later as “being born again into a new world.” Despite the struggles of starting a new life with a lack of education, money or English speaking skills, Lesser used his troubling past as strength to rise above adversity.
He spent several years visiting schools to teach tolerance through educational programs once his grandchildren began middle school. Today, he continues to provide outreach and online services. While the current state of antisemitism in the U.S. is incomparable to that of Nazi Germany, it stems from the same discriminatory roots.
“[Antisemitism] is overwhelming me,” said Lesser. “I am afraid of where it’s going to lead to, and something must be done to stop this. Freedom of speech should not include hate speech. There should be a law, in my opinion, that will stop this once and for all.”
His granddaughter, 3rd-generation holocaust survivor Robyn Kramer-Weber, also contributes to the ZACHOR Foundation. Kramer-Weber expressed that though antisemitism has been around for centuries, it became more readily apparent since the Hamas war nearly one year ago.
“We all know that antisemitism is at an all-time high. I know that it’s happening across the campuses, it’s happening everywhere. It’s happening politically, what we hear today,” said Kramer-Weber. “It’s in and around us.”
Lesser encourages people to continue hearing stories across the globe and learn about experiences similar to his eye-witness account to “extinguish the hatred.” Similarly, appreciating differences is necessary.
“We have a variety of people and beliefs. If we were to really hear each other and listen to each other, we can actually learn from one another rather than argue. I think that’s one of the biggest problems that’s on campuses today,” said Kramer-Weber.
Lesser published 10 Commandments on his blog. The first explains the meaning of ZACHOR, which is to “remember the souls of our six million dear departed ones” in the Holocaust. He emphasizes that by educating future generations to recognize the hatred that breeds genocide, they will understand the consequences of personal choices. In a crisis or calamity, you must choose tolerance.
According to Kramer-Weber, non-Jewish students can support their peers who may be struggling throughout the conflict between Palestine and Israel by educating themselves.
One issue is that there are few limitations to free speech at public universities to discourage hate speech and misinformation. Jewish students are facing discrimination, similarly to other marginalized groups in higher education.
“There is that level of fear on campus,” said Kramer-Weber. “Whether you’re Palestinian, whether you’re Jewish, there is always going to be some form of conviction, fear, judgment. It’s happening. I know it. There are many areas on campus or off campus that can assist. Chabad, Hillel, even campus security.”
The ZACHOR Foundation adapts to educate future generations when there are no longer first-hand accounts such as that of Lesser through the use of artificial intelligence. Ben’s foundation was one of the first to create an accessible AI storytelling tool available through the internet for free. The initial process included thousands of cameras recording Lesser, as he responded to rigorous questions regarding his World War II experience. Teachers and students use this interactive platform worldwide.
“They were able to simulate everything. This is him. He was behind 3,000 cameras surrounding him telling his story and answering different questions. You can go on his website or on your phone, a tablet, whatever it may be,” said Kramer-Weber.
Lesser also has a goal for the I-SHOUT-OUT project to reach six million participants. As of now, the progress is just shy of two million individual participants. People are asked to upload a photo and speak about what they believe in. The forum mapped every location to see where exactly messages are coming from.
“The goal is to get six million shout-outs for the six million souls that were passed. We would love to have that end result, and then some. It’s a matter of getting out there and hoping everyone shouts for what they believe in,” said Kramer-Weber.
They also provide ZACHOR pins and hope to give out six million of those as well.
“It serves as a reminder of the Holocaust to never again but mostly to never forget. It’s a tangible memento. Something that they have to always remember is that this came from a survivor who experienced such hatred at its height,” said Kramer-Weber.
Lesser encourages readers to purchase his memoir “Living A Life That Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to American Dream” directly from the foundation’s website, where he will personally autograph the book. All proceeds of sales get recycled back into the foundation.
“We are not a museum or any big organization. I have both started and supported the ZACHOR Foundation myself. However, we are a 501(c)(3)charity. Any donations are greatly appreciated and help keep the memories alive, allowing us to continue educating our youth,” said Lesser.
