"A perpetrator is not the most dangerous enemy. The most dangerous part is the bystander because neutrality always helps the killer." This quote, said by Holocaust survivor, Miles Lehrman, presents the idea that being a bystander to a situation is worse than being the perpetrator. While it is true that bystanders can play a role in enabling violent actions, it is an oversimplification to say that they are the most dangerous part of the equation. In fact, perpetrators of violence are an even greater threat to society than passive bystanders. The Holocaust provides many examples of this. While it is true that the indifference of bystanders allowed the genocide to unfold on a massive scale, the actions of the perpetrators themselves actually caused the large amounts of casualties. The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, implemented a campaign of dehumanization and extermination …show more content…
They created a network of concentration camps, ghettos, and killing centers, where they subjected their victims to cruelty and suffering. Additionally, they also mobilized a massive army and waged a brutal war that claimed the lives of millions of people. While it is true that bystanders played a role in enabling the Holocaust, they did not pose as great a threat to society as the Nazi perpetrators themselves. The Nazi regime was able to carry out its genocidal mission precisely because it had the power and resources to do so. Bystanders may have enabled the genocide, but they did not have the capacity to carry it out on their own. In addition, it is important to note that not all bystanders are passive or indifferent. There were many people during the Holocaust who risked their own lives to help others, including Jews, escape from the Nazis. These individuals, often referred to as "rescuers," played a critical role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of the