Quotation from Martin Niemöller on display in the Permanent Exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. [LCID: usma0084]
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Quotation from Martin Niemöller

Quotation from Martin Niemöller on display in the Permanent Exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Niemöller was a Lutheran minister and early Nazi supporter who was later imprisoned in the camp system for opposing Hitler's regime.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemöller (1892-1984), Lutheran minister and early Nazi supporter who was later imprisoned for opposing Hitler's regime.


Critical Thinking Questions

Have you seen this quotation used/modified for recent issues or in popular culture? If so, how?

What questions does this photo raise for you?

Use the Museum's website and Collections to learn more about Martin Niemöller.


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  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum

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