Don't Fan the Flame ...

Tim Scott's fascination in the Third Reich began in what we call middle school today after reading a paperback book called Auschwitz in one day. His thirst for wanting to learn all he could about the Nazis and concentration camps continues to this day. He furthered his studies by traveling to Europe to visit the camps in person besides studying the German language and law.

Tim Scott, born a Catholic to a large family
in a small Wisconsin town says hatred exists everywhere.

This past weekend Mr. Scott was recognized by the La Crosse Congregation Sons of Abraham as the 2015 Holocaust Educator. Throughout his teaching career he has presented his Holocaust program about 1200 times and has touched many lives. He shared many essay/letter quotes received over the years written by all ages of participants from middle school, high school and even adults in jail. Some spewing with words of hatred and threats and others with gratitude for the lessons Mr. Tim Scott imparts as he illustrates racism, prejudice and its hatred can be perpetuated at any age, regardless of gender as its flames are within all of us.

Participants in  Mr. Scott's workshops/classes assume a jewish identity through role playing with fictitious multi generational families who also experience the horrors of the Nazis. He says although each group is different many lives are transformed during the 3 hour similation workshop. Many tears have been shed as awareness is heightened. 

Candle burning next to the photo of young victims of hatred...

Mr. Scott lights a candle to represent each person's flickering hate. Each individual must recognize their own flame and understand if the flame is fanned it can become a raging fire if not recognized and dealt with appropriately. He asks for each individual to evaluate their own prejudices and to speak up for others when they hear/ see any injustice regardless of religion, race, sexual preference, handicap, any bullying even for someone just being different, even a nerd...

"First they came for the Jews. I was silent. I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists. I was silent. I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists. I was silent. I was not a trade unionist. Then they can for me. There was no one left to speak for me." 
- Pastor Martin Niemoller Camp Prisoner 1938-1945

Congregation Sons of Abraham's  Rabbi Simcha Prombaum (L)
 and past educator recipient Greg Wegner. (R) 

During the presentation Holocaust memorial candles were lit for a different type of flame by young people and others regardless of religion to remember those that did not survive the atrocities. 

Thank you Mr. Tim Scott for the work that you do. May your words reach as many hearts as possible. I know your words touched those present at Congregation Sons of Abraham in La Crosse on Sunday. 

" If the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little . Do what you can." Sydney Smith


*For information regarding a brave group of students during the Nazi regime check the web for "White Rose" and also "Hans and Sophie Scholl."
Also Mr. Scott has a web page: www.putoutthe flame.com and a Facebook group: Put Out the Flame