History Extra podcast Simon Schama on the Holocaust
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Apr 6, 2025 Join historian Simon Schama, renowned for his captivating storytelling and deep insights, as he discusses his latest work on the Holocaust. He shares his powerful first impressions of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the shocking complicity across Europe, and the chilling indifference of citizens during the Nazi regime. Schama reflects on the incremental nature of evil and contrasts personal tales—including that of Anne Frank—with society's varied responses. He also highlights the importance of memory in preserving the truth and combating contemporary anti-Semitism.
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Schama's Auschwitz Visit
- Simon Schama deliberately avoided visiting Auschwitz for many years.
- He felt it was important to experience the site authentically, not as a tourist.
Understanding the Holocaust
- The Holocaust is often understood through Auschwitz and Anne Frank.
- This can universalize the experience and obscure its specific targeting of Jews.
Lithuanian Pogroms
- The Nazis used Lithuania as an experimental ground for genocide, encouraging local participation.
- A horrific pogrom in Kaunas, including the rabbi's beheading, demonstrated local complicity.