HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Writing about the Holocaust has always been difficult for me because of the gory images I have seen in stories and movies. It is still difficult to imagine how humans can met such injustice on others, I guess this is why I must write this.
The Holocaust also known as Shoah represents the worst injustice meted out on Jews in Europe. During World War II (1941 to 1945) in German occupied Europe, the government of Nazi Germany institutionalized practices that targeted specific groups – Jews, the physically challenged and others. These acts included – forced sterilization, euthanasia, non-judicial incarceration, forced labor, medical experimentation, undernourishment, sexual slavery, death by overworking and various methods of execution.
The number of persons murdered in this genocide according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is 17 million (six million Jews and 11 millions others). Consider the number of lives that had to be lost on the basis of discrimination.
Today’s commemoration marks 75 years since the 7,000 survivors of this atrocious act were rescued from the largest concentration camp and extermination centre, Auschwitz-Birkenau. As we commemorate the Holocaust Remembrance Day today, it is important that we contemplate the lessons that today’s remembrance holds for us.
Human life is priceless
There is no justification for taking another person’s life on the basis of discrimination. Every person alive is important to the world. Thus, we must secure our lives and that of others.
Prevent hate
The Holocaust did not begin with the forced sterilization or euthanasia, no, it began with a single discriminatory thought. Today, it is common to see hateful and discriminatory speeches on social media, and this is on the rise. We have become so bitter that we think ill of others who have done nothing to us. We feel superior on basis of religion, ethnicity/race, etc.
Mind your thoughts. Thoughts translate to words, as individuals, we must guard our hearts against hateful thoughts. Governments, Politicians and Leaders (at all levels) must be mindful of their fundamental roles, and ensure that they do not incite hatred among the people.
Break the culture of silence
Many a time, genocides and such heinous atrocities succeed because of our culture of silence. We hear of various killings and so-called ethnic cleansing, but we remain indifferent. Our silence and indifference only favours the victimizer not the victim. With our silence, we take sides with evil not good.
Give voice to the voiceless
Many groups are victimized because of both their vulnerability and powerlessness. It is our duty to empower the vulnerable – women and victims of violence, the elderly, children, the disabled, refugees, the poor etc.
From all of these and the many events – hate speeches, xenophobic acts, racism, intolerance, that is on the rise, you would agree that we are on the verge of another Holocaust. However, if we all take up the challenge to fight hate – first in our hearts, and in the world EVERY DAY, there just might be hope for us all.
As we remember, let us act!
