First they came

This site is dedicated to the memory of the German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) and in particular to his poem "First They Came".

This highly relevant poem reminds us that we cannot simply stand by and watch things unfold when we know where they are leading.

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.