From Memory to Humanity: Michael Lederer at the ONG
On Friday, we had the privilege of welcoming Michael Lederer, an American author, to the ONG. He read from the memoirs I Have Seen the Mississippi by his father, Ivo Lederer, which will be published this year.
The memoirs tell the story of Ivo, who was only eight years old when he had to flee Nazi persecution as a Jewish child. He eventually found refuge in the United States, where he became a renowned historian and writer.
Michael’s reading gave our students an opportunity to connect the history of the past with important questions of our present: religion, peace, human rights and the consequences of violence. His thoughtful and deeply human way of addressing these complex issues impressed and moved our school community.
As Michael said:
“Brutality by any one group toward another is not the way we move toward the light, but toward the darkness. In a kinder world, we would all understand that religions are like languages different groups use to ask the same questions.”
Michael Lederer is the kind of guest who is able to navigate between these different “languages” and to find a language that everyone should understand: the language of humanity, dignity, dialogue and peace.
We are very grateful to Michael for sharing his father’s story, his thoughts and his wisdom with us.
He himself described the afternoon in these words:
“That was a soul-satisfying afternoon for me. What a great group, so engaged.”
Thank you, Michael Lederer , for this inspiring and memorable afternoon at the ONG!
Valentin D.
