By Eeva Tudor
The world comes together every year on January 27th to observe Holocaust Memorial Day. It marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in memory of the millions who lost their lives during the Holocaust – a horrific period in history that occurred during World War II. It’s a time for reflection on the anti-Semitic violence. On this day, we remember the atrocities that the Nazis perpetrated, we pay respect to the survivors, and think about what could be done so that such a horror never reoccurs.
The Holocaust was a genocide that consisted of the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. It started in 1941 and continued to the end of World War II in 1945. The Nazis, under the rule of Adolf Hitler, believed that the “pure” Germans were "racially superior," while Jews, among others like the Roma, people with disabilities, Slavic people, LGBTQIA+ individuals (particularly gay men), and many others, were seen as "inferior." Because of this racist ideology, millions of innocent victims were killed in concentration camps, ghettos, and mass murders.
It was not just a tragedy of war, but a moment when human cruelty reached unimaginable extremes. Families were ripped apart, the whole of some communities were destroyed, and millions lost their lives amidst unimaginable physical and emotional pain. These victims were murdered, some were put through harsh labours, others, vile medical experiments, and all had their dignity and humanity torn apart.
But this is not just a day of remembrance; it's a call to action. The atrocities of the Holocaust were the product of a world that allowed hate and prejudice to fester and grow unchecked. This day reminds us of the dangers of racism, discrimination, and intolerance. By remembering the Holocaust, we learn how to stand against hate and injustice.
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we are asked not just to remember the past but to reflect on what we can do in the present: how we can stop hatred and prejudice from taking root in our own communities, how we make sure that the mistakes of history are never repeated. Understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust makes one fully aware of the consequences of intolerance and, at the same time, all the more determined to make the world a better and safer place for all.
Equally important, if not more so, about Holocaust Memorial Day is the respect it pays to survivors of this nightmare. So many survivors tell their story to schools, museums, and other organizations in an attempt to make sure the memory of the Holocaust is never forgotten by future generations. The bravery, strength, and resilience shown against unimaginable hardships are reminders that even at the darkest times, hope and humanity can continue.
Hearing the survivors and learning about their experiences helps us understand the personal impact of the Holocaust. These survivors are not just figures from history; they are living proof that even after immense suffering, people can rebuild their lives and continue to contribute positively to society. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit's ability to survive and fight back against oppression.
There are many ways to observe Holocaust Memorial Day. Some have ceremonies or even educational events. They light candles or moments of silence. Many schools organize assemblies over this day and some students create essays or various artworks about them – the victims and survivors, that is. But the most important thing is to take some time for the reflection of lessons from the Holocaust and thinking over how one can contribute to fighting against hate in life.
You can also learn about the Holocaust in greater detail by reading books, watching films, and visiting museums on this subject. The more we learn, the better equipped we'll be to remember the victims and speak out against discrimination and hate in any form.
Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us of the past and what we have to aspire to build in a better future. Learning about the Holocaust, remembering those who suffered, and committing ourselves to fight hatred are ways to make the world a safer and more compassionate place. It is not just about remembering a tragic event but also making sure those horrors of the past would never happen again. We all have a role to play in keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive and building a future based on respect, kindness, and understanding.
If you choose to reflect on HMD 2025, one way to show this is to join the official ‘Light the Darkness’ moment by lighting a candle -safely- in your window at 8pm on 27th January. You could then share this on a social media page with one of these official hashtags: #HolocaustMemorialDay, #HMD2025, #LightTheDarkness. If you want to learn more, visit the official HMD website.
READ MORE LIKE THIS...
READ MORE BY...
Comentários