Holocaust Survivor Lucy Waldstein: "Hate Has Not Won"

At DER STANDARD, we believe in the power of remembrance and the ongoing fight against hatred. Lucy Waldstein's powerful words at the "Fest der Freude" on Vienna's Heldenplatz serve as a vital reminder that the lessons of history must not be forgotten.

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It is sad that people still have not learned how to live together. We must continue to resist fascism and racism everywhere.

Waldstein, a survivor of Nazi persecution, eloquently expressed the sorrow that humanity has not yet learned to coexist peacefully. Her call to continue resisting fascism and racism everywhere resonates deeply, especially given her advanced age and the dwindling number of those who can bear witness firsthand. She poignantly described herself as less a "contemporary witness" and more a "historical relic," underscoring the urgency of passing on these memories.

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I am at a point where I am less a 'contemporary witness' than a historical relic.

Events like the "Fest der Freude" are crucial for keeping our collective memory alive. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have faced unimaginable horrors and emerged to share their stories. Their presence and their words are invaluable, offering a direct link to a past that must inform our present and future. We are honored to have hosted such a significant voice and to continue advocating for a world free from hatred and discrimination.

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Events like this are essential to keep our collective memory alive.