A Holocaust survivor, Steven Frank, who managed to escape starvation in a concentration camp, has expressed his concern over similarities he sees in the actions of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to those of Hitler’s regime. He mentioned feeling haunted by the past during Trump’s speeches, drawing parallels between the language used in Trump’s immigration policies and the rhetoric used against Jews during World War II.

Reflecting on the upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day, Frank emphasized the importance of history not repeating itself. He shared his personal experiences of growing up in Amsterdam before the war and witnessing the rise of Nazi oppression.

Frank recounted the tragic loss of his father and other family members during the war, detailing the harrowing conditions he endured in various concentration camps. Despite the hardships, he survived against all odds, attributing his resilience to the support of others and his determination to overcome the challenges he faced.

One poignant memory he shared was his promise to a fellow prisoner to care for tomato plants, a symbol of hope and perseverance during dark times. This promise continues to be fulfilled by Frank, who tends to tomato plants in his greenhouse as a tribute to the past and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Looking towards the future, Frank hopes that younger generations, like his granddaughter Maggie, will carry on the message of remembrance and understanding. As he continues to share his story with schools and organizations, he emphasizes the importance of learning from history to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.