Steven Spielberg is increasingly troubled by anti-Semitism, speaking at the University of Southern California

Holocaust survivor Selena Beniaz and director Steven Spielberg at a USC event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Holocaust Foundation

Courtesy of Scott Feinberg/THR

“The echoes of history are unmistakable in our current climate,” he said. Steven Spielberg In a fiery speech linking the past to the present as he accepted the USC Medal on Monday. The legendary director received USC’s highest honor, which had been presented on only three previous occasions, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Shoah Foundation, the organization he founded after he directed his masterpiece. Schindler’s Listwhich has been based at the University of Southern California for the past 20 years.

“The rise of extremist views has created a dangerous environment,” he said. “Extreme intolerance leads society not to celebrate differences, but instead conspires to demonize those who are different from them to the point of creating an ‘other’.”

Spielberg honored at USC President’s Luncheon Carol Folt Held at the university’s Town and Gown Building, more than 56,000 Holocaust survivors presented their testimonies to the institution. They were represented there by Selena Benyazwho was the youngest female whose life was saved by Oskar Schindler, and who has been particularly active in the foundation in recent years.

Spielberg continued: “We see every day how the extremism machine is being used on campus, where 50% of (Jewish) students now say they have experienced some discrimination because they are Jewish. This also occurs alongside discrimination against Muslims, Arabs and Sikhs. The creation of the “other” and the dehumanization of any group based on their differences are the foundations of fascism. It’s an old playbook, but it has been dusted off and is widely distributed today.

He added: “I am increasingly concerned that we may be doomed to repeat history, and once again have to fight for the right to be Jewish.”

The three-time Oscar winner continued: “We can outrage against the heinous acts committed by terrorists on October 7, and also condemn the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza. That makes us a unique force for good in the world, and that’s why we’re here today: to celebrate.” The work of the Holocaust Foundation, which is even more important now than it was in 1994. It is critical in the wake of the Holocaust. The horrific October 7 massacre; The rise of anti-Semitism and hatred of any kind is critical to the health of our democratic republic and the future of democracy throughout the civilized world.

Two hundred and sixty-five guests attended the event, including more than 30 Holocaust survivors. Many of the hundreds of people who have worked at the USC-based Holocaust Foundation over the past 20 years, including… Samuel Justmanand in the institution of good people, such as Shayna Tripwasser; and other members of the Hollywood community who are involved in combating anti-Semitism, including propaganda Melissa Zuckerman.

In her opening remarks, President Folt noted that USC has contributed $50 million to support the Holocaust Foundation, including $30 million in the past four years. She declared, “The Foundation’s work is needed now more than ever.” We all know that anti-Semitism is on the rise, and frighteningly so, and we feel the pain of October 7th, and we must fight anti-Semitism with everything we have.

Then it was displayed Octavia Spencer-A narrated video documenting the history of the Holocaust Foundation that was formed in the wake of Spielberg’s experience Schindler’s List.