Holocaust survivor Herbert Rubinstein, now 88 years old, was five years old when he and his mother were taken from the Jewish ghetto of Chernivtsi and put on a cattle wagon headed for their deaths. Against all odds, they managed to survive, thanks to forged Polish identity documents that allowed them to escape the fate of many others. Rubinstein is now taking part in the #CancelHate digital campaign launched by the Claims Conference, which aims to combat Holocaust denial and distortion by sharing videos of survivors reading anti-Semitic posts that spread hate and misinformation. The campaign comes at a time when anti-Semitic incidents have risen worldwide due to recent events in the Middle East.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has fueled tensions and led to an increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe and the United States. The war has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides, with Hamas militants kidnapping hundreds of people and killing many others. The ongoing violence has triggered protests around the world, with both supporters and critics of Israel using inflammatory rhetoric to make their points. The Claims Conference’s digital campaign seeks to remind people of the dangers of hatred and the importance of combating falsehoods about historical events.
In one of the videos for the campaign, Rubinstein reads a hate post that denies the Holocaust and then shares his own family’s tragic experience during the Holocaust. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the reality of the Holocaust and the need to combat denial and distortion of historical events. Rubinstein’s personal testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and the importance of confronting hate in all its forms.
Despite the challenges he faced during the Holocaust, Rubinstein remains optimistic and determined to fight against anti-Semitism every day. He urges the younger generation of Jews not to lose hope and to continue the fight against hate and intolerance. Rubinstein’s message is clear: words matter, and by standing up against hate and discrimination, individuals can make a difference in creating a more just and compassionate society. The #CancelHate campaign is a testament to the resilience of Holocaust survivors like Rubinstein and their commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten or repeated.
