"Injustice" is an abstraction, and vague - unless made human and real by personal testimony. !!!

There are several reasons why the crimes committed by the Nazis against the Jews are remembered, are still "alive". Among them, is the fact that so many bore witness, resulting in hundreds of books (fiction, memoir, diary etc), articles and letters. They help to ensure that the fire of memory and indignation does not die out; doesn't even grow dim. X. is someone who travels widely, meeting and addressing Tamil groups: I hope that among other topics, he will draw attention as well to this aspect of the contribution that can, and should, be made. Some of our people - by no means all - not having a long-term, historical, sense, may not appreciate the importance and value – indeed, the obligation and imperative - of “bearing witness”. By “witness”, I do not mean only those who experienced the final stages of the war, but also those who live in the North or East, those who visit today, see, listen and get insights into the present. Primo Levi and several others have pointed out that human beings do not react to injustice and suffering on a large scale: the mind cannot comprehend; the heart does not respond. But mind and heart do to the testimony of one, single, individual, relating what happened to her or him or (today) to what s/he personally saw and observed of present injustice and calamity. "Injustice" is an abstraction, and vague - unless made human and real by personal testimony. PROF.CHARLES SARVAN,BERLIN