The Role of Bystanders from the Holocaust to Hamas

Two leading global experts joined Senior Research Fellow David Zimmermann for a discussion on the role of bystanders, in relation to organized violence against civilians by regimes/terrorist groups, spanning from the 1940s to October 7, 2023.

Eli Rosenbaum, a recently retired U.S. Department of Justice attorney who led efforts to identify and prosecute Nazi, Russian, and other war criminals over nearly four decades, shared insights from investigations and prosecutions that he conducted and supervised.

Amos Guiora, a professor of law and former Judge Advocate in the Israel Defense Forces, offered his observations and experiences regarding Hamas and its supporters in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel.

This event explored the troubling phenomenon of bystander complicity in the face of extremist violence.

On June 26, 2025, the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University hosted an event titled "The Role of Bystanders from the Holocaust to Hamas," moderated by David Zimmerman. The panel featured Eli M. Rosenbaum, former director of the DOJ’s Office of Special Investigations, and Amos N. Guiora, a law professor and expert on bystander behavior.

The discussion centered on the concept of bystanders—individuals who witness harm but do not intervene—and related roles such as enablers, who protect institutions at the expense of vulnerable people, as well as interveners, who take action despite risks. Guiora highlighted the complex situation of Gazan civilians who protested against Hamas but faced threats, fear, and difficult choices, especially around the October 7, 2023 attacks. He emphasized how environmental and institutional pressures often prevent bystanders from acting.

Rosenbaum shared insights from his experience prosecuting Nazi war criminals, explaining how fear, antisemitism, and self-interest led many Holocaust-era bystanders to remain passive or complicit. Both experts debated the legal and moral responsibilities of bystanders, with Guiora advocating for criminal accountability where possible and Rosenbaum stressing the importance of converting bystanders into interveners through education, public recognition, and vigilance.

The role of media was discussed, noting that it tends to focus on perpetrators while overlooking the critical issue of bystander complicity. The panel also addressed issues such as Israeli flyers urging Gazan civilians to report hostages and the challenges civilians face in responding due to fear for their safety.

The event concluded with a strong call for further research, education, and public engagement to empower bystanders to act against extremism and violence.