Descendants of Holocaust Survivors and Perpetrators Discuss History and Healing

The Genesis of a Unique Dialogue

• 💡 The Holocaust Museum LA is committed to fostering conversations that bridge historical divides.
• 🎯 A special talk, following a performance of "The Blueberries," aims to bring together descendants of both Holocaust survivors and perpetrators to discuss their family histories and their impact.
• 🔑 The goal is to consider how history shapes us and to inspire actions that can change the future.

Family Histories and Personal Connections

• 💬 Jordanna Gessler's grandparents were Holocaust Survivors, with her grandmother losing over 100 family members.
• 📞 Audrey Stimson's grandmother was the head telephone operator for Hitler's military command center in Berlin, privy to conversations of Hitler and his generals.
• 🤝 The connection between Gessler and Stimson was forged at a Holocaust Museum forum where Stimson felt compelled to share her family's story, a rarity among Germans who often avoid discussing their past.

Reflections on the Past and Present

• 🗣️ Stimson's grandmother spoke openly about her experiences, including the Battle of Berlin, as a way to process her guilt.
• 👂 She recounted Hitler's reactions, such as screaming at generals during the battle.
• 💔 Gessler shared the deep, inherited trauma of her family, exemplified by her grandfather crying over his mother's Gila fish recipe, a poignant memory from a mother lost in the Holocaust.
• ⚖️ While trauma is inherited, the responsibility for action is not, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and empathy.

Addressing Rising Anti-Semitism and Hate

• 📈 The conversation highlights the tremendous rise in anti-Semitism and the need to speak out against all forms of hate, including racism and othering.
• 🤝 Bringing people together, like Gessler and Stimson, is presented as the only way to make a difference by stopping isolation and humanizing each other.
• 💖 Empathy and dialogue are crucial to prevent future atrocities like the Holocaust.

Event Details

• 📍 The event, featuring a talk with Jordanna Gessler and Audrey Stimson, takes place at The Wallis in Beverly Hills.
• 📅 The performance of "The Blueberries" runs through Sunday, with the special talk occurring after tomorrow night's performance.
• ⏰ The event starts at 7:30 PM.
• 🎟️ For details and tickets, email [email protected] or visit foxla.com.