How the magic of kindness helped me survive the Holocaust | Werner Reich

Visit to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized Talk recommendations and more.

Holocaust survivor Werner Reich recounts his harrowing adolescence as a prisoner transported between concentration camps — and shares how a small, kind act can inspire a lifetime of compassion. "If you ever know somebody who needs help, if you know somebody who is scared, be kind to them," he says. "If you do it at the right time, it will enter their heart, and it will be with them wherever they go, forever."

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know. For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a Media Request here:

Follow TED on Twitter:
Like TED on Facebook:

Subscribe to our channel:

20 Comments on How the magic of kindness helped me survive the Holocaust | Werner Reich

  1. I’m touched, I really want to give him a hug. A sad but also inspiring story, and a great reminder that freedom is no guarantee.

  2. Kindness brings hope amidst hopelessness. I admire the strength of someone who has gone through such adversity & becomes an overcomer.

    *TED might need to change it’s name, as their videos don’t solely focus on technology, entertainment & design. Education, yes, entertainment, no.

  3. Kindness and giving is a true way of acquiring fulfilment in life.
    It becomes so clearer when life humbles you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


Shares
Share This