One by One
Transforming the Legacies of Conflict, War and Genocide through Dialogue
One by One, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by those whose lives have been deeply affected by the Holocaust. Our membership is multi-generational consisting of Holocaust survivors and their descendants; perpetrators, bystanders, resisters and their descendants; as well as concerned individuals. Although rooted in the Holocaust, our work now extends to other polarized groups. As we listen to each other’s stories we learn that we are sensitive to many of the same issues. Together we seek to bear witness to the realities of war and genocide from our diverse perspectives and to take it upon ourselves to work for a more peaceful world.
"We learned the value of multi-partiality in dialogue, remembering that there is
no life without suffering, especially in war, and
that the journey to healing
may begin with a single phrase:
'yes, this tragedy happened,
1 acknowledge your experience. I accept your
truth ...' Muslims, Serbs, Jews and Germans ... wove a new story from their intertwined histories,
this one committed to honesty, introspection,
civic responsibility and compassion."
Dr. Paula Green - Project Diacom
following One by One's visit to Bosnia 2001
One by one we pick up the pieces of devastation and one by one we identify those who perished in genocide and war. One by one we seek out the humanity in one another's stories of pain, guilt, fear and loss. As the stories resound within us, the burdens are lightened and we begin to transform the impact of our legacies, offering hope to future generations. - R. Gerut
Statement of Purpose
- To demonstrate the beneficial process of dialogue experienced by One by One participants and to use that process as a model for approaching similar inherited conflicts.
- To educate and assist individuals who are personally involved in historical, ethnic and political conflicts in a process of witness bearing, for themselves and for their communities.
- To develop dialogue groups, educational programs, publications, art works, the Speakers Bureau and other resources that promote interpersonal peacemaking and help prevent the transmission of trauma, fear, prejudice, racism and violence.
"The impact of One by One's work goes far beyond it's own membership. Members are helping to heal one of the deepest wounds in our collective psyche. They are the teachers for a new generation of peacemakers. We are all the beneficiaries of their courage and wisdom."
Judith Thompson,
Co-Founder, Children of War
