Celina Biniaz, the youngest of the 1,200 people saved by Oskar Schindler in 1944, was honored at a gathering on the USC campus. The event, attended by about 265 people, including 30 Holocaust survivors, recognized the impact of Schindler's actions during World War II. Biniaz, who was saved by Schindler, expressed her gratitude for being added to the list of protected workers, which ultimately saved her life.
Steven Spielberg, the renowned filmmaker and founder of the Shoah Foundation, was presented with the USC University Medallion for his dedication to documenting the stories of Holocaust survivors. The USC Shoah Foundation, established by Spielberg in 1994, has collected over 56,000 testimonies from survivors, including Biniaz.
Biniaz credited Spielberg and his film 'Schindler's List' for giving her the courage to speak about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor. The foundation's mission to preserve personal testimonies has provided a platform for survivors to share their stories and educate future generations.
Spielberg emphasized the importance of documenting these stories to ensure they are never forgotten. He condemned the rise of antisemitism and violence, stressing the need for empathy and tolerance in today's world.
The USC Shoah Foundation continues to collect testimonies to counter antisemitism and promote tolerance. The commitment to educating people and fighting hate remains strong, as survivors entrust their stories to ensure a better future for all.
