Here’s some add’l info: Pastor Martin Niemöller’s poignant statement, commonly known as “First they came for…,” has undergone various adaptations since its inception in the mid-1940s. Originally delivered during his post-World War II lectures, Niemöller’s words were a candid admission of his own inaction and a call to recognize the perils of societal apathy.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides a widely recognized version of the quote:

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.

This version emphasizes the sequential persecution of different groups and the consequences of remaining silent. It’s important to note that Niemöller’s original speeches were impromptu, leading to multiple renditions of the statement over time. These variations reflect the evolving contexts in which the quote has been referenced and adapted.

For a comprehensive understanding of the quote’s origins and its different versions, you can refer to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s article: encyclopedia.ushmm.org

Additionally, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust offers another version of the quote, highlighting slight differences in wording and the groups mentioned: hmd.org.uk

These resources provide credible insights into the evolution and enduring significance of Niemöller’s statement.