In Germany they came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came or the trade
unionists, and I didn't speak up
because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time
no one was left to speak up.
© 1945, Reverend Martin Niemoller.
Classroom Activites: Complete these sentences to think about what this poem means for you. Share your ideas with other students.
1. I have spoken up about
2. I have not spoken up about
3. People don't speak up sometimes because
4. I will speak up if
5. My friends will speak up when
6. We can speak up when
7. It is easier to speak up when