Despite feeling overwhelmed or insignificant, students have the ability to make a difference in the world to promote kindness, according to Holocaust survivor and Newton resident, Dr. Hans Fisher, who spoke during e-block Thursday, Jan. 72, during the Holocaust Remembrance Day Webinar.

Students were able to learn more about life during the Holocaust and hear Fisher’s thoughts and opinions on combating hatred, according to Gregory Drake, history department head and host of the webinar.

“I was so happy this was made possible,” said Drake. “You can read about the Holocaust anywhere, but hearing someone’s perspective firsthand is even more powerful.”

Throughout the webinar, Fisher encouraged the audience to think about how they can make a difference to minimize the evil in the world and promote kindness.

“Evil deeds, unfortunately, have always and will always be part of the world that we live in,” said Fisher. “There are simple things, simple behavioral traits that we can adopt and can follow, that can make a difference.” 

He added that it is essential to understand what is going on around the world and to get involved.

“We need to stand up, we need to be honest and decent and be part of the kind of world that we would like to live in, that we would like to pass on to our children and grandchildren,” said Fisher.

Fisher went on to speak about the role everyone plays in improving the world. 

“The vast majority of us always look aside when something happens and kind of butt out. We tell ourselves, ‘Yeah it may be bad, but maybe it will go away, and besides, it’s not me, it’s somebody else,’” said Fisher.

The history department worked with the Lappin Foundation, a Jewish non-profit organization, throughout the year to bring more Holocaust awareness to North.