Sunday 31 January 2016

Holocaust Memorial Day 2016

This week we marked Holocaust Memorial Day and remembered those who perished under Nazi persecution however we also remember those who died in the subsequent genocides of Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. This year's theme was 'Don't stand by'; the Holocaust and other genocides took place because local populations allowed insidious persecution to take place. While others actively supported the persecution the majority stood by silently  -  at best, afraid to speak out; at worst indifferent. Today, we must stand and acknowledge our responsibilities, and tell others to act differently.

As Elie Wiesel stated about bystanders 'I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.'

On the 27th January, we commemorate the victims, honour the survivors and commit to tackling prejudice, racism and discrimination today. We encourage countries to conquer genocide and atrocity and individuals to stand up against hatred. It our responsibility to remember those who died, otherwise they would have won, today's challenge is to make the words of the victims a meaningful part of our future.

An example of someone who didn't stand by was Sir Nicholas Winton, at the age of 29 Winton went to Prague to see the dire situation that was occurring in Europe. He realised he had to do something and rescue the children caught up in the atrocity. Nicholas gained permission if the government to bring children into the UK as long as he organised foster families and documents. Over the space of 9 months he rescued 699 children, the majority were Jewish. In response he simply stated 'Why are you making such a big deal out of it? I just helped a little; in the right place and the right time!'

Holocaust Memorial Day Website