FAU Editorial Assignment - A Letter from Charles Herz by Andre Ornelas

August 14th, 2025

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A preface of sorts for this submission. A letter from Charles Herz was written in the context of a Holocaust in Film class I attended during my last semester at FAU. We were to write a creative piece simulating the words of someone giving an Opinion Editorial during the 1940s in response to the displacement of Jews during the Holocaust. Should any inconsistencies be found, please let me know!

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Hello Readers, I begin this issue with an understanding that there is no certainty to provide clarity and closure to these people, for they have lost their homes, communities, and original way of living. There is no certainty that they may return to how they were before the bastardization of their identities, from proud people to the victims of undeniable hatred. Should someone encounter these people, may I suggest we create what they lost? As writers of great works, whether fiction or nonfiction, we can make a difference. Are we too stubborn not to lend our ears to the accounts these people have endured? May we, as photographers, whether it be to create works that benefit the nation or ourselves, account for their stories and preserve history? Where is the harm in assisting these people to have access to methods to preserve the history of their people? An influx of individuals will arrive sooner or later in this angelic land of the free, where even a man such as myself could find redemption amongst the pen and paper of journalism and narration. Should you have an opportunity to find yourselves amongst the new arrivals in New York, ask them if they have a bed to sleep in for the night. Offer some bread if you can. If we as a people can commit to giving what is Christ's to Christ every Sunday, what stops us from giving a little to our fellow men?

A companion of mine has sent a photo of a young girl who has just arrived in São Paulo, Brasil. He explained that she had been displaced from Germany and had no community to turn to. I shall be visiting her to write her story for an issue next week. With this being an introduction to this project, I intend to see it through. I hope these stories reach anyone who will enact Christ's love for our brothers and sisters in Europe, even emboldening them through forgiveness to our brothers in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Many have seen violence and indignity placed on them based on their identities and misunderstood stereotypes that I intend to hopefully eradicate with these upcoming stories and documented tales following these next few weeks. For those who are new to these small conversations, my name is Charles Herz. I have seen the horrors of what my nation has done, for I am not ashamed to report what they were: abominable. Now residing in the United States, I, too, have seen the peculiarity that has been greeted with. As Christ walked his path to Dolorosa, we must act as Simon of Cyrene.

Despite originating in a crowd that claims to know not what they have done, still forgiven by an everlasting God, we must uplift these voices and assist them in rebuilding what once was lost. Should one find the compassion to adopt children who have lost their families to war, raise them well, and mature. Should one be patient and teach young men in need of a future, teach him well, and fluency in craft will follow. Should a man or woman fall into the devil's misery of depression, consult with them as Christ wept.

In final remarks, I pray for all my readers to reflect on my words and act upon them uniquely, as granted by our divine creator. I pray for a good night for all my readers. 

Thank you, 

Charles Herz