Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was an outspoken prominent Protestant pastor who spoke out against Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps, despite himself holding strong nationalist German sentiments, being against communism, and even sharing some antisemitic attitudes. Yet he is best remembered for this poem, which is as relevant today as ever, in which he expressed the importance of advocating for justice and safeguarding the rights of all.
We must remember that the safety and well-being of all of us are intricately connected, whether with regards to the coronavirus epidemic or with regards to the quality of life, education, health, housing, and freedom to pursue our happiness. We all must speak out, in whichever way we can, against the injustice and the discrimination against the Black community. Bystanders are complicit in the tragedies wrought by the perpetrators. If we all speak up, we will be heard.
Irit Felsen
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