‘Vault Of Irrefutable Truth’: Meryl Streep Honors Steven Spielberg And Shoah Foundation With Moving Speech At Humanity Gala

As someone who has been fortunate enough to witness the incredible work of Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg firsthand, I can confidently say that their dedication to preserving history and promoting human rights is truly unparalleled.


At the 30th anniversary of the Ambassadors for Humanity Gala, held at the New York Hilton Midtown on October 13, I took the stage to honor Steven Spielberg and his Shoah Foundation. In my speech, I made it a point to offer genuine praise for his work, emphasizing its profound impact. This event, which serves as a poignant reminder of the Holocaust, was an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by such an esteemed figure in humanitarian efforts.

As an ardent admirer putting words to my awe, Meryl Streep herself expressed that standing amidst Holocaust survivors was both an honor and a humbling experience. She spoke of individuals whose unwavering commitment – their very lives, hearts, and souls – were dedicated to safeguarding the memories of these people and paying tribute to their lives.

As a loyal companion, I once shared my thoughts about Steven Spielberg, a seasoned filmmaker who, thirty years ago, recognized the vital significance of upholding the truth. This extraordinary storyteller, whom I consider a courageous friend with a heart as vast as a lion’s, understood the immense importance of defending reality.

Actress from Little Women revealed that she, along with forward-thinking collaborators, co-created the USC Shoah Foundation to preserve real-life accounts and amass a vast archive of testimonies from over 5000 individuals who personally experienced events leading up to our current era, before digital manipulations became prevalent.

She went on to say, “This treasure chest of unquestionable truth serves an active purpose, 80 years after the Holocaust.” The esteemed actress further emphasized that the testimonies of the survivors carry extraordinary importance in today’s context. They serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of ‘hatred’, the path it can lead us down, and the consequences if we choose to remain inactive. Moreover, they help preserve the memories of the past events so that we never forget the truth of what transpired.

She mentioned that these accounts serve not just to record extraordinary feats, but also to inspire us through instances of courage they reveal. These instances of courage, she implied, are ones we may need very shortly.

At the Gala, alongside Meryl Streep, other well-known figures such as Drew Barrymore, Debra Messing, and Whoopi Goldberg were in attendance. Additionally, over 60 Holocaust survivors were present at the event, as reported by various publications.

In 1994, a foundation was established by the renowned filmmaker following the success of his 1993 movie, Schindler’s List. This foundation focuses on education by disseminating the heartfelt accounts of Holocaust survivors, which are collected and archived by a charitable organization.

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2024-10-15 15:22