Remembering the Last Nuremberg Trial Prosecutor
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- čas přidán 16. 04. 2023
- On April 7th, Benjamin Ferencz died. He was 103 and the last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg Trials - the first international war crimes tribunal in history. Vice News interviewed him in 2016. This is his story, in his own words.
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I've read two of his books and all I can say is.
This mans humanity shames me, truly a remarkable gentleman. He has seen literal hell on earth, the sheer depths of human depravity and still managed to remain on the side of justice and progress, which must have been agonising. To see human life liquidated on a scale unimagined up to that point, to walk through the gates of concentration and death camps multiple times in the last days of the war when the bodies were still piled and cremetourians full after shoddy attempts by the Nazis to hide their crimes.
Then after seeing all that indescribable horror and being armed and literally staring one of the people directly responsible in the eyes, he remained true to his conviction that justice was more important than revenge, not for him but for the survivors of the halocaust.
I can't say what I would really do in that situation, I've thought about it many times.
Benjamin, I truly hope you rest in peace and your family, loved ones and close friends realise how special that time in peace with you truly was.
An absolute hero.
🖖
Bot comment
The internet is not really real anymore.
“And still managed to stay on the side of justice” yeah because he’s gonna switch up and go fight for the nazis after walking into a execution camp 😂😂😂 people don’t think at all about what they say before typing
Well said
@@gerald0mc231 I think what they meant is that he still valued life and humanity over enacting revenge just because it feels good
Incredible interview, his last message was spectacular. RIP Benjamin Ferencz.
he was Jewish
@@KissSlowlyLoveDeeply-pm2je Keen eye, detective.
I have heard Jewish people generally do not say RIP - i believe that’s more of a Latin/Christian expression. Hebrew derived expressions include peace be upon him or may his memory be a blessing. It’s not outwardly offensive per se, but preferable to say things like that.
brainwashed sheep. why wasnt soviet on trial, they killed 10 times more, why werent the us and uk on trial, they killed 10 million germans
@@catherinemills2740 🤓
One man who deserved a long, good life. Godspeed Mr. Ferencz.
Same to hitter
Died to young
I hope he got instantly reborn in a good life. He deserves it.
brainwashed sheep. why wasnt soviet on trial, they killed 10 times more, why werent the us and uk on trial, they killed 10 million germans
He helped to create the ICC. Unfortunately the US did not join the ICC
I love his absolute honesty about the want to kill those monsters...it's true. To see such blatant evil, it is tempting to take them out.
You are legitimately too stupid to realise that when one accuses others of evil you shouldn't include your own fantasies of murder in the same comment
@Linh Nguyen Do go on please
@Linh Nguyen Elaborate
brainwashed sheep. why wasnt soviet on trial, they killed 10 times more, why werent the us and uk on trial, they killed 10 million germans
@Linh Nguyen What do you mean exactly?
Love when he goes off about barely not pulling the trigger at a concentration camp commander. Legend. He had a fire in him.
Till the day he died that fire burned
“I wasn’t scared, I was mad” that was for all those who were lost, who were stolen away from our amazing world. May every single Human being who was murdered during these immoral and twisted times, Rest in peace.
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.
Sandlot
👆 NAZI bots 👆
He died a couple days ago
/s
@@thomasandsonsplumbing1282 Follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong.
brainwashed sheep. why wasnt soviet on trial, they killed 10 times more, why werent the us and uk on trial, they killed 10 million germans
In 2018 I was in law school taking an international law class, and this little old man walked into the room to see my teacher and say hello. Turns out it was Benjamin Ferencz. He spoke with us for a few minutes, it was fascinating.
How did your teacher know him btw?
@@GhANeC His teacher was in the SS.
@@SKeeetcher 😂 de la troll
Some of our greatest heroes are often overlooked. He was a champion of humanity to his last breath. What a man.
brainwashed sheep. why wasnt soviet on trial, they killed 10 times more, why werent the us and uk on trial, they killed 10 million germans
this guy prosecuted Nazi's AND got to say "if you're hearing this I'm already dead" what an absolute icon
“Stop killing each other when you have a difference in opinion […] how long will you continue with this kind of craziness?”
Wise words that still hold true in so many situations today.
The continuation of human rights can and will continue, men, women and everyone in between like him will allow the betterment of the world and the people who inhabit it. Hope is still here.
Humanity is extremely fortunate to have had Ben Ferencz. He tried.
After watching this video I am forever thankful for his contributions to the world. I am sure that he helped ease some of the pain for my ancestors that survived.
Me too. I am thankful for this as well. The world is a better place because of him.
The amount of history this one man personally witnessed is astounding. What a life.
The photos... harsh, but the reality back then. We need to see them again and again to never forget
Says you. These people who suffered. Those that survived. Those that liberated them. And those that Persuecuted these Nazi dogs, can show them as much as they damn want too! Look away if you can't stomach it because its evidence that Mankind can be outright disgusting to one another. It's obvious that no one has learned a damn thing since WWII: Haiti, Sudan, Rwanda, Iraq, Bosnia, North Korea, China, Israel, and right here in the US with hate crimes. People persucuting one another for anything they can think of: sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. They need to keep showing the evidence bc Mankind obviously isn't listening or learning, not to mention the idiot deniers of it. We are in the last days. You ain't seen nothing yet.
I congratulate his life. Being Jewish on my
Mother's side, I was born in London UK,
during WWII in 1944, being 79 in a couple
of weeks. Our family's story is too long for
here now, but my Uncle, Bernard, was taken
from Paris, when France fell to Germany in
1940, never to be heard from again. 😢.
Rest In Peace uncle Bernard
Happy birthday 🎂🥳 Raymond ✨️
May he rip 🙏🏻
RIP your Uncle Bernard
My compatriots where whisked away from Libya to Facist Italy to be killed, raped and God knows what else. I feel your pain. Maltese.
And some people excuse bigoted views with old age. What actually makes a difference is a will to continue to learn about a wide range of people's experiences and struggles, something it's clear that this made did. I'm glad it seems like he lived as good and happy a life as one could after going through and witnessing a hell I can only imagine. I hope he died in a space he felt safe and comfortable all while surrounded by the people he loved.
Yeah some people actively strive to better themselves, some people just stay shitty. Bigoted old people just never tried to change their views for the better in life.
He was incredibly compassionate. We need more people like him. May he rest in peace.
I cant even fathom the PTSD this man suffered from collecting evidence from this case. And here we have a fucking LEGEND. I hope more people see this video and learn from this man. He certainly impacted me.
He turned the trauma into motivation. His ptsd was alot of guilt. Which fueled his work and his legacy
This guy was a little ball of fire. He was a go-getter till he couldn't go no more. What an admirable man. In unwritten history there are many heroes we will never hear about and he is one of them. He continued to fight the good fight until he was many years old. A champion will be how I remember him after watching several shows featuring his legacy.
He was still sharp for his age , RIP sir .
More than anything else i hope that i can maintain my clarity of thought into old age, the guy is an inspiration
I read his book Parting Words. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Highly recommend. It goes deeper into to his message and his story of finding justice.
Thank you for this - I need a new book to read and this will do well. What a hero!!!
Thanks
an anti-war marine is an oxymoron
@@alexcope8142 he was a soldier not a Marine
@@c3aloha dude, no civ cares- infantry is infantry
Just one of the greatest humans the last 100 years. A true hero and game changer
RIP.
He's talking straight to the people with a coherent mind, a little common sense, and a big heart.
He is the epitome of being a role model not to a country or ethnicity but the human race.
He lived through perhaps the most transformative time in human history and was on the right side of it. A life well lived for sure.
Takes a very special combination of self assuredness, integrity and mental strength to be exposed to such horror and, yet, come out the other side with your compassion and belief in the good of humanity intact..Only those who were there could possibly have any understanding of the circumstances he had to deal with..What an incredible insight into the human condition this man would have possessed..
This was amazing- He was a tough old man so I can only imagine him in his prime. Real American Hero
*real hero, or real international hero no?
an anti-war marine is a oxymoron
@@alexcope8142 I see you're pro Ukrainian. There's plenty men who are antiwar there but had to go to protect their country. Many people don't want to eliminate people but they do to protect their land. Btw I see you are pro Ukraine here are some channels I recommend Ukraine_tbic channel he's a Canadian volunteer who did humanitarian/ medic rescue. Also a few more western and Ukrainian soldiers YT channels as well . Operator Starsky, Civ Div , The Flashback, Fut_Nucking_Yuri, Terra Ops. , Hormadske. Those are people helping save Ukrainians risking their lives to do so.
The one who dropped atom bomb on japanese civilians was an American hero too, so we can understand what heroism in US is.. the more innocent people you kill, the bigger hero you'll be..
Hypocrites
@@mosinM-so5ngTrue, but normally you associate it with the country of birth/citizenship. Einstein, for example, German born/raised, so a German hero 1st, but a global hero 2nd
A legend, an icon, a hero. Bless him to Heaven. He’s more than earned his rest and his place among the honoured. Rest well, Warrior of Justice.
Wow. Goosebumps. Life well lived.
RIP Ben. I wish I’d known about you before your death. Thank you for everything you’ve done in life.
This man's service has ended, but will not be forgotten. He didn't just serve his country, he served humanity. God bless you sir
"You're reaching for the moon."
"The moon is small potatoes."
Respect to this man, incredible inspiration to humanity.
I do love it when older people tell us to strive for more. It's heartwarming.
I wish that he was still among the living. Even though he saw such incredible horror, he was strong enough to endure it.
We need men like this desperately nowadays.
and women
@@melaniekeeling7462 And women!
@@rechelieu Thanks
I count myself fortunate to be of a generation that grew up viewing men like this as grandfather figures. I hear your message loud and clear, grandfather. Each one of us has the ability and the power to change the world and make it better. All we’ve gotta do is have the will and be willing to try as hard as we can. Put your money where your mouth is, as people his age would say. If everybody does that, I do believe we’ll really get somewhere. May you rest in peace, sir. Thank you for everything you have done for this world of ours and for trying like hell. Now, it’s our turn. We better be up to it if one of us is to have a chance at leaving a message like that to future generations before we go.
That man lived a life. Cheers
I feel so blessed to have been able to listen to him speak two years ago in a Zoom meeting of about 20 people. I also visited the museum in Nuremberg where there is an area dedicated to his legacy. May his memory he a blessing ❤
Never knew of this man. I'm glad I saw this. RIP
Even after death, his message will surely continue to resonate
I knew him well, he is a man to research. He was one of a kind.
Not only was he aware of the times during the war and post war, this man even so far ahead of everyone, is aware of the struggles that the new generation have and the traditions in place that needs to be changed.
I wish we had a hundred more heroes like him.
Awesome interview from a generation that had it rather hard during WW2 and dealing with the great depression. Hope y'all do more as these men have a wealth of information and they did what they had to do to survive rough times.
This is a truly moving piece. Vice has been on my naughty list the last while but im happy to see a small step back to great journalism 👏
What a legend, thank you for everything
Highly underrated person. He should be shown as a role model for American youth and Adults in general. He will be missed
At 97 he was so impressively sharp and articulate. Amazing.
Powerful video vice, Thank you!
what an incredible man. this is the definition of a hero. rest in peace Benjamin, you deserve it more than many. Thanks vice, a story everyone should know.
What a wise man. Thank you for your service, sir. Rip.
This was amazing!!! Thank you for this!!
What an outstanding person!
“He tried”. Gotta love that legacy.
I live near nuremberg, and every time i Drive by the court House, i realize that in this House History was writen, and step towards humanity has been done.
Thank you Mister ferencz, you will Not be forgotten !
This man is super functional for a century old human
Right? ill have whatever hes haveing
Benjamin, you changed the world! As an old 35-year-old woman, I still get teary-eyed when I see your face in documentaries and when I hear your words of wisdom. We miss you ❤️
What an incredible human being. Everyone needs to hear his words.
Great guy, may his next walk be grand, he sure seemed to be an incredible human in both challenging and easier conditions. Seems like a great guy.
Of course he lived so long, look at this man, an absolute force
I love history. I love seeing the people who fought in this horrific war. They have class and character. This man is another inspiration for me to look up to. Rest in Peace you lone ranger and keep helping those in need!
His memory is a blessing to the entire jewish community, and to all others victimized by the nazis. Sad to see such a bright light leave this world but he lived a long, good life. Wherever he is now, I hope he is rewarded for his strength and integrity.
We could all take a great lesson from this man. Do not get upset. Get mad. Focus on the real problems at hand and where the true evil lies. May this man rest in blissful eternity.
What a fantastic and important interview wow thank you for sharing
Rest in Peace Benjamin, you helped the world
Sad that he had to pass away. :(
At least he had a remarkable life:) that he genuinely seemed to enjoy! And it was long:) he deserved that.
Benjamin died four days after i turned 18... I hope i can, in my new-found adulthood, strive for peace the way he dedicated his life to do so.
(note: yeah, putting my age on the internet outright probably isn't the greatest thing but here we are)
Vice News brought you this man’s fucking story.
That man seemed like he was a true living legend RIP it's a shame there's not more people in the world like that today
Just goes to show you how recent all of this happened and how quickly it could happen again
To see and live thru what this man has…. To do such a tremendous job. Godspeed Mr. Ferencz
What a powerful and touching interview from such a phenomenal character. Would have loved to meet this man.
This man was the best, not only of his generation, but of humanity. If 1/10 of mankind was like him this world would be an EXPONENTIALLY better.
thank you vice for the comeback in quality, and thank you Benjamin Ferencz for your service to humanity
Great piece. love it. Thank you, Vice.
Truly a different breed. God bless that generation.
I was lucky to randomly meet him. He was such a kind man. He had so much energy when I met him.
Never forget
Thank you for spotlighting this
Omg , I just discovered him 3 yes ago. He brought so much hope. He did so much 😭 🙏🏻
love this guy, a fighting man with values....
God bless him. What a legacy.
I have loved this guy since I was a kid. Such a Beautiful Human Being. Rest In Power Sir. 🙏🏽💕✝️
This man. Thank you. Love.
RIP to one of the greatest humans to ever live. Understated in stature, but infinite in his true love for humanity. One of a kind.
God bless him, a great human being. RIP sir.
Incredible story, thank you
incredible
What a beautiful soul. May he rest in peace.
Bravo! What a fantastic interview.
American soldiers and politicians would fair really well on a trial on war crimes.
Excellent interview wished it was 30 mins or longer. thank you for sharing the story of the last Nuremberg prosecutor, a world war 2 veteran. Who in the time had to sit in a room and face literal evil sick men who were nazi commanders of former german empire. Powerful informative interview with nuggets of wisdom from a bright scholar. #UShistory #WW2 #nuremberg #BenjaminFerencz
An amazing man. so happy this is shared. Thanks you.
With spectacular human achievements, complete success in his mission to find justice were justice had been lost, and above all living with a fierce, loving personality his entire life, there is no question why they are called "The Greatest Generation." Ben right here sure as hell lived up to that designation. He makes me proud to be human. Thank you for your actions, their impact has only just begun paving the path towards something greater, today and somedays to come.
We should never forget what he fought for.
Ben Ferencz is an eternal hero. He may not have seen peace in his lifetime, but may his and all our children eventually do see lasting peace.
He tried and now he should rest. ❤
Thank you so much for covering him! He was my hero growing up. Love his Ted interview ❤
Man that soundtrack during the ending was amazing
What an incredible person
RIP & thank you
It was interesting to see the old pictures, they remind me of Captain America before his transformation. Goes to show, that in real life, being 6+ foot tall and in fancy tights is not what counts. It's what you stand for and what you archieve. So after everything else you have already done so well for us all, I think this is yet another reality check we can learn from your story.
Again, thank you!
(I'm german, born 50 years after the war ended and very gratefull to the people who ended the horrors of this war with such an outstanding lesson in "how to be a human". So rest assured, everyone (!) thanks you for your service)
He is a remarkable man. I've studied the Einsatzgruppen for many years. The day Im not shocked or heartbroken, will be the day, when Humanity has failed. RIP Benjamin
The podcast Criminal conducted an amazing interview with Mr.Ferencz, he's a wonderful person. The episode is called Palace of Justice - A Conversation with Benjamin Ferencz. RIP and thank you for all you've done for this world !
What. A. Fucking. Legend.
Benjamin Berell Ferencz. Thank you so much for what you've done. I'll do my part to carry even a small ember of the torch you held.
Thank you, Vice, for bringing this to my attention.