Holocaust survivor and educator Nate Leipciger shared his life story and reflections with J.D. Durkin at the New York Stock Exchange in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day. His testimony offered a sobering reminder of the responsibility carried by individuals, institutions, and societies to remember history and to actively uphold justice, equality, and human dignity every day of the year.
Leipciger spoke about the defining moment of his life, recalling how, 82 years ago, he stood before the gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau and witnessed flames consuming the lives of countless people, including members of his own family. That memory, he explained, is not only a personal tragedy but a historical warning. Remembrance and education, he stressed, are essential tools to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.
He emphasized that Holocaust Remembrance Day represents a commitment to honor those who were murdered simply for being Jewish. Remembering is not an abstract exercise, but a moral obligation. Leipciger warned that denial or minimization of the Holocaust amounts to erasing victims a second time, reinforcing why historical truth must be protected and taught across generations.
During the conversation, Leipciger connected remembrance to the modern world, including the responsibility carried by industries shaping the future, such as technology and artificial intelligence. As innovation accelerates, he argued, values must keep pace. Tools that influence society at scale must be guided by conscience, empathy, and respect for human life rather than division or hatred.
Leipciger highlighted his work with March of the Living, alongside partnerships with companies such as Pfizer, as examples of how remembrance, education, and corporate responsibility can intersect. These collaborations demonstrate how businesses and institutions can honor history while contributing positively to society.
A central theme of Leipciger’s message was that remembrance cannot be confined to a single day. He called for year-round commitment to reflection and moral responsibility, urging individuals and organizations alike to act in ways that promote justice and equality. Hope, he shared, was essential to survival during the darkest moments of his life, and it remains essential today.
Looking forward, Leipciger expressed cautious optimism. Through education, dialogue, and intentional action, he believes societies can learn from history and choose a better path. His message serves as both a warning and an invitation: to remember the past honestly, to confront hatred wherever it appears, and to ensure that compassion and responsibility guide the future.
As his remarks made clear, honoring the victims of the Holocaust is not only about memory, but about action. By choosing empathy, truth, and accountability in daily life and professional decisions, individuals and institutions alike help ensure that history is not repeated and that humanity moves forward with purpose and integrity.