“Ordinary people must speak the truth!” – Rick Ekstein’s standing ovation speech at ARC 2026

In one of the most moving speeches of ARC 2026, Rick Ekstein tells the extraordinary story of how his mother survived the Holocaust because ordinary people chose courage over fear. Reflecting on the resurgence of antisemitism and attacks on people of faith, he argues that the future of Western civilization depends on our willingness to stand together, speak the truth, and defend the sacred dignity of every human life. __ Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1916948510 With the return of the ARC Conference this June, we are publishing a brand new book — the most comprehensive synthesis of ARC’s philosophy to date. Drawing on Augustine, Tolkien, and a long tradition of civilisational thinking, The Age of Reconstruction charts a path from diagnosis to renewal. While many can point out where things have gone wrong, this book does what most can’t: it lays out a vision of what we must build, how, and why it is still possible. Praise for The Age of Reconstruction: "Will Western Civilisation flourish, or flounder? It depends on us, and the decisions we make right now. And Johnny Patterson's wonderful 'The Age of Reconstruction' gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom." — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author __ Rick Ekstein is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder of Phaze 3 Associates, a family office focused on real estate development, private equity, and venture capital. Rick is also the co-founder of the Together We Stand Foundation alongside his wife Lillian, a non-profit organisation that raises money for military families. __ 00:00 A story of courage and survival 01:15 The Holocaust and a miraculous rescue 06:01 The return of antisemitism 08:14 When hatred spreads, nobody is safe 09:50 Defending people of faith 11:35 The bond between Christians and Jews 12:08 Why ordinary people must speak the truth __ Go deeper with ARC Research. Read reports, articles, and academic papers underneath our talks - all pointed towards advancing education, promoting research, and developing ideas about the keys to human flourishing and prosperity. https://www.arc-conference.com/resear... If you would like to support ARC’s mission financially, firstly - thank you so much for trusting us with your resources. And secondly, find out how here: https://www.arc-conference.com/donate If you have any questions for us, or would like to partner with us, contact us here: [email protected]