There is controversy over a YouTube video of Holocaust Survivor, Adolek Kohn, dancing with members of his family to “I Will Survive, in front of Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps.  There are those that are outraged over the video, viewing it as mocking the Holocaust. There are those who support it as a celebration of life. I stand with the latter.

I came across the video on the blog of Debbie Schlussel. Debbie and I have had our differences on various issues.  This is however, one time I am completely on board with her views. There is a huge difference between pimping out a tragedy and celebrating survival of that tragedy. I will not restate the entire controversy as she has covered it quite well.  As goofy as the video is, I frankly cried when I watched it.  For a survivor to go back and joyfully dance on the horrendous memories of his fight and the fight of all European Jews for their survival to me is a celebration of life and our ability as humans to take tragedy and smile back at it.  We did survive and more power to Adolek Kohn for allowing me to remember with a smile on my face.  IMHO, Adolek Kohn has earned the right to “dance his experience” any damn place he pleases.