Intelligence Squared The 12 Books of Christmas, Part 4 – Jonathan Freedland, Will MacAskill and Katherine Rundell
Dec 25, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Freedland, a journalist and author of "The Escape Artist," reflects on the harrowing journey of Holocaust escapees, emphasizing the critical need for historical remembrance. Katherine Rundell, known for her book "The Golden Mole," dives into the enchanting diversity of endangered species, exploring humanity's bond with nature. They also touch on the philosophy of long-termism, advocating for a more responsible view of our actions today and their impact on future generations, urging a shift towards ethical considerations in our choices.
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Discovering Vrba
- Jonathan Freedland first encountered Rudolf Vrba's story in Claude Lanzmann's Shoah.
- Vrba's charisma and youthful appearance stood out among other Holocaust witnesses.
Timely Relevance
- Vrba's escape from Auschwitz and his dedication to truth became relevant in the era of fake news.
- Freedland saw parallels between Vrba's fight against Nazi lies and contemporary struggles with misinformation.
Meeting Gerta
- Freedland located Vrba's first wife, Gerta Vrbova, shortly before her death.
- Vrbova, who knew Vrba before Auschwitz, provided invaluable information and letters.
