Stéphane Hessel: A Call for Resistance and Social Justice

The Legacy of Stéphane Hessel

Stéphane Hessel, a French resistance hero and diplomat for peace and justice, was deeply shocked and angered by the situation in Palestine and the barbaric invasion of Iraq. The author of this text identifies strongly with his values. Hessel questioned the current existence of democracy in Europe and beyond, pointing to financiers as the primary culprits behind the global crisis.

The Power of Money and the Crisis of Democracy

While victims of the crisis struggle to return to normalcy regarding work and income, the financial sector has failed to implement suppression mechanisms for high-risk operations. There has been no end to tax havens or major systemic reforms. Consequently, those who suffer the least from the crisis continue to hold the most power. We can say that money and its owners now wield more power than governments.

In Hessel’s words, the power of money has never been so great, marked by "selfish insolence" from its servants at the highest levels of state. He argued that privatized banks are more concerned with profits and executive salaries than the public interest.

A Message to the Youth: Engage and Resist

Hessel tells young people that outrage is essential because it leads to a determination to engage with history, as proven during the resistance against Nazism. We must resist the attempt of money to control our lives. Although the struggle against financial globalization differs from the physical battles against fascist troops and concentration camps, it remains a difficult and necessary fight.

Preserving Democratic Achievements and Non-Violence

Hessel highlights the great advances of the twentieth century, such as:

• Social security
• Human rights
• The progress of the welfare state

He also warns of current setbacks following the events of 11-S (September 11), which marked a reversal of progress. His alert to the youth is clear: "Care for what we fought for; you must defend it to maintain and improve it. Do not let them rob you."

We must save the democratic achievements and ethical values of justice and freedom established after the Second World War. It is vital not to be fooled by media outlets owned by the wealthy. Instead of collapsing under the "destructive hurricane of voracious consumerism" or being distracted by entertainment media while facing budget cuts, we must recover what belongs to all. Following the non-violent path of Gandhi, Hessel—who participated in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)—advocates for peaceful but firm resistance.