A resurfaced video has brought attention to a powerful moment from 2017 when Holocaust survivor Bernard Marks confronted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Thomas Homan during a public forum on immigration policies. Marks, who was 88 years old at the time, passed away a year later, but his words still resonate in today’s political climate, especially as immigration policies continue to evolve.
In the emotional exchange, Marks, a survivor of two concentration camps—Auschwitz and Dachau—shared his harrowing personal history to challenge Homan’s immigration stance. This video is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering history and the consequences of policies that target marginalized communities.
Bernard Marks’ Heartfelt Challenge to ICE Director
During the public forum, Marks stood before Homan and spoke passionately about his experiences as a Jewish child during World War II. “When I was a little boy in Poland, for no other reason but for being Jewish, I was hauled off by the Nazis,” he began, reading from a piece of paper.
Marks explained that he was the sole survivor of his family, who were all killed in the Holocaust. At just seven years old, he was taken to Auschwitz, and later to Dachau, where he endured five and a half years of unimaginable suffering. He was liberated in 1945 by American troops when he was 13 years old.
Turning to Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, Marks expressed his disapproval of the administration’s stance on immigration. “I spent five and a half years in concentration camps, for one reason and one reason only: because we picked on people,” Marks stated, referring to the persecution of people based on their ethnicity, religion, or status.
A Strong Message About the Role of Local Officials
In his speech, Marks criticized Sheriff Jones for working in alignment with the immigration policies of the Trump administration. “And you, as the sheriff, who we elected as sheriff of this county, we did not elect you for sheriff of Washington, D.C. It’s about time you side with the people here,” Marks told Jones, urging him to represent the local community’s interests rather than align with federal immigration enforcement.
The crowd responded with a loud cheer, acknowledging the strength of Marks’ words and the significance of his experience as a Holocaust survivor speaking out against current immigration practices. Marks’ message was clear: history has shown the dangers of policies that target vulnerable groups, and officials must learn from the past.
The Impact of Marks’ Words on Immigration Debate
Marks’ poignant speech struck a chord with many who share concerns about the ongoing immigration policies under the Trump administration, which included significant increases in deportations and strict enforcement of immigration laws. In particular, the controversial use of wartime legislation to deport migrants, including those without criminal records, has been a point of contention for many activists and human rights advocates.
In the video, Marks expressed his deep distress over the treatment of immigrants. “I feel horrible when I see or hear that a father or a grandfather is being picked up. And just because they get a traffic ticket, according to ICE they’re criminal,” he said, criticizing the system that dehumanizes individuals based on minor infractions.
Marks urged the audience to be more vocal and stand up for what is right. “I think the more of us who like to speak up, maybe we can have a better country. A country without hate,” he added. His words were a call to action, encouraging people to advocate for justice and compassion rather than discrimination and division.
Resonance of Marks’ Message Today
The resurfaced video has garnered significant attention online, with many viewers praising Marks for his bravery and conviction in challenging the government’s immigration policies. The comments under the video highlight widespread support for his stance and admiration for his courage in speaking out, even in the face of opposition from powerful figures.
Marks’ words continue to inspire those advocating for immigrant rights and the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their background or immigration status. His call for a more inclusive society, one free from hatred, remains relevant as the debate over immigration continues to shape U.S. policy today.
The Legacy of Bernard Marks
Bernard Marks’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for those who are vulnerable. His experience as a Holocaust survivor uniquely positioned him to recognize the dangers of policies that target certain groups, and his courageous decision to speak out against such policies has left a lasting legacy.
In his final years, Marks remained committed to sharing his story and advocating for a more compassionate society. His challenge to ICE Director Homan serves as an enduring example of how individuals can use their personal experiences to influence positive change and challenge harmful practices.
Sources:
- CBS Sacramento – https://sacramento.cbslocal.com
- ABC10 – https://www.abc10.com
- The New York Times – https://www.nytimes.com
