"Why is Ben Stern, a Holocaust survivor, hosting a graduate student, who is the
granddaughter of German Nazis in his home? Ben's compelling story of courage, kindness
and hope, in the documentary film, "Near Normal Man", provides the inspiration and tools
to respond to the growing anger, hatred and rage building in America today."
"Near Normal Man" is one young man's personal story of survival against impossible odds about Ben Stern - who survived 2 ghettos, 9 concentration camps and 2 death marches. Then, 30
years later, Ben stands up, yells - "Now Here! Not Now!" and leads a fiercely public battle, to
prevent the Nazis from marching again, this time in his adopted hometown of Skokie, Illinois.
"Near Normal Man" has been called a "gem", "inspirational", "extraordinary", "especially
moving", "wonderful", "a tale of timeless strength and wisdom", "exquisitely communicated", a
"must see", by a growing number of national influencers who gave this film amazing
endorsements:
“Near Normal Man is an extraordinary film – at one level, it is a searing autobiographical
account of the personal endurance, perseverance and courage of a Holocaust Survivor. It lasts
only a half-hour, but once experienced, at another level you will never forget how it seamlessly
pivots from the depths of evil that humans can inflict and endure – to rays of sun that highlight
indomitable spirited resilience.
When shown to students in courses across a wide swath of the social sciences and humanities,
the film is guaranteed to generate thought-provoking dialog about the human condition, not just
"where were the Good Germans?" -- but what connections can we draw to illuminate our own
responses to what is happening across the globe -- from the refugee crisis engulfing Europe to
the Rwanda genocide and beyond.”
Troy Duster,Chancellor’s Professor of Sociology Emeritus,University of California, Berkeley;
Grandson of Ida B. Wells
"Near Normal Man" is a film, more relevant today than ever before. It can open up the dialog
between young, diverse audiences and inspire those who view it, to act now for justice and a
better future of tolerance and inclusion of others. It can spark a "now more than ever"
conversation in many educational, community and social settings. With a radical, new president
this month, "Near Normal Man" is a call to action that 18-24 year olds everywhere need now.
Ignoring the growing injustice of America today is at the peril of their own and our future.
Charlene Y. Stern
Producer/Director
"Near Normal Man"
www.nearnormalman.org