COMMENTARY WIG WORKS INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR from page 28 standard." In what reality are such horrific images standard? We must avoid the danger of over- exposing ourselves to descriptions and visuals of Holocaust atrocities to the point of desensitization, and not for- get that most of the world has not even heard of Auschwitz. Dr. Bolkosky also includes editorial comment about the Shoah Founda- tion's interviews (calling them the "Spielberg interviews," perhaps to dif- ferentiate between those interviews conducted by his own oral history project through the University of Michigan-Dearborn). He complains that it is a "convention to conclude the [Shoah Foundation] tes- timonies with uplifting family scenes and a sense of joy and survival." In actu- ality, the so-called "convention" is a short period of time at the end of each interview during which the survivor's family members — spouse, children, • grandchildren, great-grandchildren — are invited to join the survivor on cam- era and offer their thoughts. After having worked with the Shoah Foundation to videotape over 50,000 testimonies, I can honestly say that these moments are some of the most insightful, painful and meaning- ful, not only to the viewers of today and of future generations, but perhaps more importantly, to the survivors and their families. To become glib about Holocaust oral history, and to deny survivors the opportunity to redefine themselves as they exist today, is to once again rob the survivors of their identity. With all due respect to Professor Bolkosky, who has made undeniably valuable contributions in his field, I can only hope that Holocaust scholars and others who dedicate themselves to memorializing the Holocaust avoid at all costs reducing the event to a com- partmentalized specialty. It would be wrong to presume that because one is familiar with Holocaust imagery, all are familiar with such imagery. It would be wrong to pre- sume that because one is familiar with the narrative of the Holocaust, all are familiar with that narrative, and that that narrative then loses its power to move emotionally and to inform intel- lectually. Those involved in the preservation of history, including filmmakers like me, have an obligation to preserve more than facts and figures. It is imper- ative that we capture humanity, giving future generations an opportunity to become enriched from the past. I I Specializing in Hair Loss . Date To Medical Trealisinieni or Thinning Hair Judy Granader 1-888-881-9332 E-mail: wigworks@aol.com The process of making a bank deposit should not require ropes, directional arrows and marching band formations. So Mic Heritage Bank has made it easy for you to see us-and your money-whenever you like. Our branches in Novi and Troy are comfortable, neighborhood banks where we enjoy serving you just inside the door, not at the end of the line. Call us silly, but we think its just good manners to help our customers feel at ease. That's our heritage. .73% 4,73°l0 4 30% Heritage Classic Account* Minimum $500 Minimum $500 Minimum $5,000 *Unlimited Checking! or Call To(a) for it CI) 1),) Alai! Application. TROY: Troy Sports Center 1917 East Big Beaver at John R. NMI: Next to the Novi Hilton 21211 Haggerty Road at 8 Mile 1-800-914-3524 LENDER FDIC visit us at our web site: Insured ww'.v. Milleritage.com JLOIL MICHIGAN HERITAGE Uda/ith 1-248-619-0264 Annual Percentage Yield is effective as of March 19. 1999. Penalty for early withdrawal. Business or brokered accounts not eligible. Check out our expanded c 3`477-- • Classified section of The Jewish News 3/19 1999 Detroit Jewish News 31