As a young Jewish boy, my family drilled into me the dangers of authoritarian regimes. My parents were the second generation in both of their families to be born in the US. I learned about Hitler, the Nazis, and the concentration camps. I also learned about the pogroms in Russia. 

As the only Jewish family in a small town, my mom warned us not to tell people about our religion. Then, in elementary school, the teachers felt bad that there was no role for my brother and me in the annual Christmas pageant. So, they came up with a solution: there, on the stage with all the other kids and in front of all our families, they gave us giant, yellow Stars of David to hold. My mom lost her shit.

As I grew older, I started reading history books. I studied Hitler’s rapid rise in post-WWI Germany and the swift, dramatic fall of the German Republic. I read many concentration camp memoirs, like Night by Elie Wiesel. I would discuss what I read with my parents. My mom always warned me it could happen here.

It can happen here. But we can stop it.

 This is one of three pieces I did for the Brassworks Gallery 2025 Postcard Show.

Acrylic and Posca markers on cardboard. Measures 8” x 10”.