Evoking Holocaust to promote political agenda unacceptable
I have never written a letter to The Chronicle or any other paper in my entire life. However, after reading the article in the March 10 issue of the Chronicle entitled, “Foxman: Trump knew his Hitler-like salute was evoking fascist symbolism,” I felt that I had to respond.
Both of my parents were Holocaust survivors, and we lost over 100 members of our family during the Shoah. Through my involvement with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, I have spent the last 25 years studying the Holocaust. Although I have met Mr. Foxman and have respect for his work on behalf of the Jewish community, in my opinion Mr. Foxman’s remarks are a politically motivated left-wing smear against Mr. Trump. Comparing Mr. Trump’s efforts to garner support to Hitler and the Holocaust diminishes the meaning of the word Holocaust, and its use in this manner is an insult to the 11 million innocent people who were murdered by the Nazis during World War II. Mr. Trump is no more a racist or bigot than Mr. Foxman.
I realize Mr. Trump is quite flamboyant. My son worked with him for several years on the “Apprentice,” and he has advised me that Mr. Trump is completely different when he is administering his business. Whether or not you support Mr. Trump is up to each individual to decide for themselves. What I do know is that evoking the Holocaust to further a political agenda is totally unacceptable. In my opinion, the reason that the liberal left, as well as some Republicans, is afraid of Mr. Trump is because they believe that they will not be able to control him. We need a president who is not afraid to question the status quo. We need a president who will do what is best for our country, and not what is best for the political hacks and cronies who seem to control Washington.
Sam M. Devinki
Kansas City, Missouri
Rockhurst’s meaningful Shoah commemoration
On April 18, I had the honor of participating in a special program at Rockhurst University. I joined with students, members of the faculty and others in reading the names of men, women and children who perished in the Holocaust (Shoah). I have attended many Holocaust commemorations, beginning when I was a youngster. This program was profoundly meaningful as the names of these victims, Jewish, Jesuit and others, were read once again in 2016.
I found this recognition by students at a Jesuit University, who are aware that many millions died, including Jesuits, to be a powerful acknowledgement that the world will not forget. I have great admiration for the students and faculty at Rockhurst for making this annual community commemoration a priority in the life of the university. I have attended a number of Yom HaShoah programs at Rockhurst, and I know that many, many students were involved in the planning and creation of the events. I especially respect and appreciate Bill Kriege, of Rockhurst Campus Ministry Department, and University President Reverend Thomas B. Curran, S.J. for their efforts to keep alive the memory of the victims in this meaningful way.
Marvin Szneler
Executive Director
Bert Berkley Chair for Community Relations
Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee