Sacramento, CA – In a poignant moment that continues to resonate, Bernard Marks, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, confronted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Thomas Homan at a public forum in Sacramento. Drawing parallels between his harrowing experiences during World War II and contemporary immigration policies, Marks delivered a powerful message: “History is not on your side.”
A Voice from the Past
Marks recounted his childhood in Poland, where he was taken by the Nazis solely for being Jewish. He survived the atrocities of Auschwitz and Dachau, while his family perished. “I spent five and a half years in concentration camps, for one reason and one reason only: because we picked on people,” he stated.
A Call to Conscience
Addressing Sheriff Scott Jones, who hosted the event, Marks urged him to reconsider collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. “We did not elect you for sheriff of Washington, D.C. It’s about time you side with the people here,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of local leadership in protecting vulnerable communities.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Beyond this confrontation, Marks dedicated his life to educating others about the Holocaust, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten. He founded the Eleanor J. Marks Foundation in honor of his late wife, promoting awareness and understanding among younger generations.
