Vienna Auschwitz Survivor Benno Kern: "Tell It to Your Children!"

Benno Kern, a 98-year-old Holocaust survivor, is at the heart of a new digital initiative titled "Benno's Light." This project is dedicated to preserving his personal testimony and ensuring his story reaches future generations. Kern, who will soon celebrate his 99th birthday, was recently present at the University of Vienna, listening as others spoke about his life.

For decades, Kern has actively shared his experiences, speaking to his family, at memorial events, and with young people. However, as the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, a critical question arises: how can the direct memory of the Holocaust be maintained when the last witnesses can no longer speak for themselves?

"Benno's Light" is a response to this challenge, undertaken by the Claims Conference. The project aims to capture Kern's narrative in a way that transcends the limitations of time and the eventual absence of firsthand accounts. It highlights the urgent need to find innovative methods for Holocaust remembrance in an era where personal testimonies are finite.

“

Tell it to your children!