Stand Together

“Their lost voices Must continue to be heard.”

– John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day and with it marks the 75th Anniversary since the liberation of the Nazi Death Camp – Auschwitz-Birkenau by the allied troops. Auschwiz was located in Nazi occupied Poland. I believe it was either the largest or one of the largest death and concerntration camps run by the Nazi’s.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is – Stand Together. This theme explores how throughout history genocidal regimes have fractured society by marginalising certain groups.

Lets Stand Together

Most years my Holocaust Memorial Post will focus on the effects of genocide in the past. The horrific crimes at the hands of powerful dictators. It is easy just to assume that these crimes will remain in the past and that nothing like this could ever happen again. Unfortunately, some people find it to easy to forget about these atrocities.

Living in the 21st Century we expect that society has become more diverse and less exclusive, however the reverse appears to be true. In many countries around the world, political parties with extreme right-winged views are gaining power. Instead of acceptance, there is division.

We look back at historical events such as the Holocaust and fail to learn from it. Hitler and his Nazi Regime did not decide in 1939 when World War 2 was declared that they were going to begin persecuting, the Jews and other victims of the Death and Concerntration Camps. Hitler was elected Fuhrer in 1934. Before that in 1933 he was Chancellor but in 1932 the Nazi Party had the most political seats.

Hatred is not something that happens overnight it is insidious. It seeps into the main stream unseen and unnoticed because the majority are led to believe that this (whatever it is, ie Persecution of the Jews) is normal. It is perfectly acceptable to treat someone who has a different nationality, culture, religion etc… like an animal.

I am not going point figures, lay blame or preach about what needs to be done. All I am asking for is three things:

1. Everyone takes at least a minute today or within the next few days to read an account from a survivor of the Holocaust or Geneocide.
2. Meditate on the horrors of their account. How they were treated and how they felt. Put yourself in their shoes.
3. This is the most important one – In order to STAND TOGETHER we have to help each other. If you have it within your power to do a simple act of kindness… Whether it is holding the door open, buying a copy of the big issue, volunteering, donating or maybe just a smile instead of scowl – Do it. Don’t hold back.

If everyone in this world showed each other a little kindness everyday (not just at Christmas), the world would be a nicer place.