The burden of forgiveness: Honoring Eva Kor’s legacy in a world still learning
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The whispers echoed through the small hallway of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center that separates the main exhibit from the interactive theater. “How could she forgive?” a visitor murmured, “It’s not for us to forgive.” Hours later, a contrasting sentiment came from another visitor: “Her forgiveness is incredible. What a remarkable woman.”
These opposing viewpoints, overheard by me during my first week as executive director in the summer of 2021, summarize the challenge facing CANDLES: navigating the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of our founder, Eva Mozes Kor.
Eva Kor, a survivor of Auschwitz and the notorious twin experiments conducted by Dr. Josef Mengele, became an internationally recognized symbol of resilience and hope. I would argue that she was the most recognized female Holocaust survivor in the world. Yet, her unwavering advocacy for forgiving Nazi perpetrators, a decision she made fifty years after her liberation, sparked debate that continues to reverberate through the halls of CANDLES, even five and a half years after her death.
Founded in 1984 by Eva, CANDLES (Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors), initially focused on raising awareness about the horrific medical experiments conducted on twins and on locating Mengele and his records. Over time, our mission expanded to encompass broader Holocaust education and remembrance, with a unique position on forgiveness as a path to healing – a philosophy woven with Eva’s personal journey. CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, located in Terre Haute, was founded in April of 1995. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this month.
For Eva, forgiveness was a means of self-liberation; One that allowed her to move forward and find peace. She recognized that holding onto hatred and resentment would only maintain her own suffering. By choosing forgiveness, she took control of her story and refused to be defined by her victimhood.
However, Eva’s concept of forgiveness was often misunderstood. She vehemently argued that it was not about absolving perpetrators of their crimes or minimizing the unimaginable suffering they inflicted. Eva once said, “Forgiveness is not something you do for the perpetrator. You do it for yourself.” She also said, “My hope is that I can teach the world to heal through forgiveness and remove the baggage of victimhood.”
Eva’s decision to forgive was not rooted in religion; it was a personal revelation. On January 27, 1995, at Auschwitz, she presented Dr. Hans Münch with a letter of forgiveness, believing she was offering him a gift. Only months later did she realize that the true gift was for herself.
When confronted by skeptics after choosing forgiveness, Eva often responded, “Where does that leave me? Am I supposed to remain a victim for the rest of my life? I refuse to be a victim.” With that conviction, she chose—entirely on her own—to forgive Dr. Münch, Dr. Mengele, her parents, and all Nazis.
Critics frequently questioned how she could forgive “all” Nazis when only a few were directly responsible for her suffering. To this, Eva firmly replied, “I do not want to revisit this idea of forgiveness again in the future. I do not want to move backward. If another Nazi confronts me in the coming years, I do not want to relive this decision—I want to move forward.”
Eva’s legacy is not about imposing a single viewpoint, but about fostering understanding and empathy. It is about recognizing the humanity of all individuals, even those who have committed unspeakable acts.
The museum now faces the task of carrying her legacy forward. The challenge is not merely to present Eva’s story, but to facilitate a dialogue that acknowledges the complexities of forgiveness. We strive to create a space for dialogue and reflection, where visitors can explore the complexities of forgiveness and its relevance in their own lives. We encourage them to consider the perspectives of both those who can forgive and those who cannot.
The museum also seeks to educate visitors about the dangers of prejudice and intolerance. We believe that by understanding the root causes of the Holocaust, we can work to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
We remain committed to our mission of education, remembrance, and healing. We believe that by sharing Eva’s story, we can empower others to overcome adversity and find hope in the face of despair. In my opinion, Eva’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding healing even in the aftermath of profound trauma.
The whispers in the hall of CANDLES may continue to echo with conflicting sentiments, but they also serve as a reminder of the enduring power of Eva’s message. It is a message that challenges us to confront the darkest aspects of humanity, while also offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair. And, it is a message that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
“Anger is a seed for war. Forgiveness is a seed for peace.” – Eva Kor