The Current

Elly Gotz on surviving the Holocaust, and why hate is pointless

Jan 29, 2026
Elly Gotz, a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor and Order of Canada honoree who taught, wrote and even learned to skydive, shares why he speaks to youth about the damage of hatred. Short stories cover survival in Dachau, his father’s bravery and books, students’ reactions and the 'two wolves' lesson, and why he chose compassion over revenge.
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ADVICE

Teach How Hatred Harms

  • Speak up about hatred and its effects to reduce its spread and harm.
  • Educate young people about how hate damages the brain and relationships to prevent violence.
ADVICE

Choose Hope Over Origins

  • Hold on to hope and focus on where you can end up, not where you started.
  • Use survivors' stories as motivation to avoid self-harm and find purpose.
ANECDOTE

Risking Life For Food In Dachau

  • Elly describes risking his life in Dachau to scavenge food and nearly breaking his back for an apple core.
  • He recounts the brutal starvation rations and the physical danger of trying to survive.
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