Sami Steigmann shares his profound experiences as a Holocaust survivor and his mission to educate future generations about the importance of standing up against hate and bullying. He reflects on his life in Israel, military service, and the significance of unity in combating antisemitism or what he calls Jew hatred. Sami emphasizes the power of positivity, resilience, and the need for clear language in advocacy. He discusses current events and their impact on Jewish identity, concluding with a call to action for unity and proactive engagement in the fight against hate. Guest Bio Sami Steigmann is a Holocaust survivor and motivational speaker whose life embodies resilience and moral courage. Born in 1939 in Czernovitz, then part of Romania, he spent his early childhood in a Nazi labor camp in Transnistria, where he was subjected to medical experiments. Liberated as a child, Sami rebuilt his life in Israel—serving in the Israeli Air Force—and later immigrated to the United States, where he now lives in New York. Having transformed his suffering into a mission, he travels the world speaking to students and communities about hope, tolerance, and the moral duty to “never be a bystander.” His message is simple yet profound: Never give up. Never lose hope. Be part of the solution.
00:00 Introduction to Truth and Upstanding
02:38 Personal Experiences of the Holocaust
05:25 Life in Israel and Military Service
08:28 Reflections on the Holocaust and Its Impact
11:19 The Importance of Education and Advocacy
14:23 The Role of Unity in Combating Hate
17:07 The Power of Positivity and Resilience
19:58 The Importance of Language in Advocacy
22:48 Current Events and Their Impact on Jewish Identity
25:49 The Future of Jewish Advocacy
28:47 Conclusion and Call to Action