Spielberg expressed his deep sorrow at witnessing what he described as “unthinkable brutality against Jewish people during my lifetime.”
The USC Shoah Foundation has been diligently collecting testimonies and accounts from survivors of the October 7 attacks as part of their Countering Antisemitism Through Testimony Collection initiative. This project focuses on documenting incidents of post-Holocaust antisemitism.
In Spielberg’s words, this initiative represents “an endeavor to ensure that the voices of survivors serve as a potent tool in countering the alarming surge in antisemitism and hatred.”
He emphasized the importance of unity and unwavering commitment to these efforts, stating, “We must remain united and resolute in our pursuit of these objectives.”
CNN reached out to a spokesperson for Spielberg for additional comments.
The USC Shoah Foundation maintains one of the most extensive and comprehensive video collections of testimonies from Holocaust survivors and witnesses.
CNN reported last month that the Shoah Foundation would undertake the task of documenting the narratives of survivors from the October 7 attacks. The organization intends to revisit these individuals for further interviews to incorporate their evolving perspectives over time.
It is worth noting that Spielberg directed the critically acclaimed 1993 film “Schindler’s List,” a historical drama recounting the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
The USC Shoah Foundation’s website explains that Spielberg’s interactions with Holocaust survivors who visited the set of “Schindler’s List” inspired him to establish the organization. Over the years, it has also documented genocides in various countries, including Cambodia and Rwanda.