If today's youths are to properly learn about the darkest chapter in the world's history, the movie "Schindler's List" could go a long way to help, says the film's producer.
Gerald Molen spoke at the closing luncheon of the annual Scholar's Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches, hosted by Brigham Young University."Prior to the release of the film, many of the schools around the world made nary a mention of this dark time in modern history," Molen said. "As a consequence, many children haven't a clue about the Holocaust. Many had never heard of the word `Holocaust,' or they didn't understand it. Or they didn't care."
Yet since the film's release, more than 100 million people have taken the time to watch it. Molen said the world's fascination with the film started long before it was released, but he admitted he sometimes has trouble understanding why.
Over three hours long, "Schindler's List" was filmed in black and white and focused on a man of questionable character whose only goal was to make a fortune. Molen said it was hardly a recipe for success, yet added that the genius of Steven Spielberg, his ability to bring such a story to the screen and his mastery of story-telling and visual imagery allowed the world to witness a phenomenon that has gone on to have an everlasting impact on history.
Perhaps the most important contribution of "Schindler's List" is the awareness of the horrors of the Holocaust it created. Spielberg and others involved in the filmmaking process are capitalizing on that awareness by sending more than 14,000 copies of the film with study guides to various elementary, middle and high schools as well as universities around the nation.
"It's there as a gift to the new and future leaders of America and their educators with a heartfelt prayer that this will make them a better, more informed and compassionate people," Molen said, eliciting loud applause from the 300 scholars in attendance.
The candle of remembrance has been lit but will soon be extinguished unless children are taught not only by educators but by parents in the home who must assume the responsibility of teaching their children to love their neighbors.
"We must remember it has to start in the home," Molen said. "The first seeds of tolerance, love and understanding must be planted, nurtured and grown in the home. We must assume responsibility for our own contributions to society. Therein lies the future of our children."
Molen said the process of helping children understand the Holocaust is slowly beginning with teachers who are determined to fill this educational void. Yet, as contemporary examples of hate, pride and killing continue to abound throughout the world, more must be done, Molen said.
"Hate and anti-Semitism are alive and well," he said. "It is not enough to let these things slide by. We must stand up and speak out whenever we are witness to it, or all our efforts are in vain."