My voice, my purpose — speaking out through the Holocaust video contest
Students learn, tell survivors' stories in Arizona Jewish Historical Society project
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Chasity Gregg
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The Arizona Jewish Historical Society, in partnership with Helios Education Foundation, Phoenix Holocaust Association and the Bureau of Jewish Education, invites high school and middle school students across Arizona to create 3-minute YouTube videos that educate viewers about the Holocaust using the personal testimonies of local survivors.
This year’s Oskar Knoblauch Holocaust Impact Video Creator Contest entries included poems, videos, interviews and historical narratives honoring Holocaust survivors like Knoblauch, Gary Himler, Gerda Weissmann Klein and Sam Silberberg.
Contest winners were honored during a ceremony May 18 at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center in Phoenix. To learn more and view their videos, visit azjhs.org/student-video-contest.
The Holocaust is something I wish never happened. It was a time when millions of people, especially Jews, were hurt and killed just because of who they were. When I first learned about it, I felt shocked and sad. I couldn’t understand how something like that could happen. But learning about it made me realize why it’s so important to remember and to speak out against hate today.
The Holocaust happened during World War II, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power in Germany. They believed in dangerous ideas about race and wanted to get rid of people they thought were “different.” Six million Jews were killed, along with millions of others, including Roma people, disabled people and anyone who didn’t fit the Nazi image of “perfection.” These weren’t just numbers, they were real people with families, dreams and lives that were stolen from them.
As a student, it’s hard to imagine that level of cruelty, but learning about it through the Arizona Jewish Historical Society’s third annual Oskar Knoblauch Holocaust Impact Video Creator Contest gave me a way to connect to the past in a personal way. It made me want to use my voice to stand up for what’s right. That’s why I was so excited to be part of this project. It’s not just about making a video, it’s about telling a story that matters, and helping others learn why we can never let something like this happen again.
For me, remembering the Holocaust is not just about history, it's about the present and the future. Even though it happened many years ago, there are still people today who face hate, discrimination and racism. Whether it’s because of their skin color, religion, background or anything else, some people are still treated unfairly. That’s not OK.
That’s why I try to help others when I see racism or bullying. I talk with people, I listen to their stories and I try to show kindness. Sometimes, all someone needs is to feel seen and heard. I remind them they’re not alone. Racism doesn’t go away unless we talk about it and do something to stop it. That’s what learning about the Holocaust taught me. It started with hateful words and small actions, and it grew into something massive and deadly because not enough people stood up.
Being in this video contest gave me a chance to take action in my own way. I got to be part of something that really matters, and that makes me feel proud. I’m happy I had the opportunity to speak up, to learn more and to share what I think with others. It wasn’t just about winning or making a great video, it was about learning how to make a difference.
I believe young people like me can lead the way. We can be the generation that says, “enough is enough.” We can speak up when we see hate, and we can educate ourselves and others. We can make the world a better, more understanding place. That starts by remembering what happened during the Holocaust and making sure it’s never forgotten.
I hope that by sharing my thoughts, someone else will be inspired to learn more, speak out or stand up for someone being treated unfairly. Even small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s starting a conversation, helping a classmate or creating something meaningful like this video I believe we all have something important to give.
In the end, I’m just thankful to be part of something that brings awareness and hope. Thank you to everyone who made this contest possible and gave students like me a chance to share our voices. I’ll carry this experience with me always, and I’ll keep doing what I can to spread kindness and fight hate one conversation at a time.
Editor’s note: Chasity Gregg is a student at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, where she is a member of the History Club, advised by Jeron Velasco. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
