Editorial: We can still learn valuable lessons on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Monday is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On this day, communities across the world commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The date has a unique place in history. Jan. 27 was when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated.
On Monday we will again remember the horrors of Nazi Germany's efforts to exterminate every Jewish person. In total, 6 million Jews — two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population — were annihilated.
Remembering the Holocaust helps us understand the impact of prejudice. It also helps us recognize the role we all play in creating a world free from prejudice. Because, you see, the Holocaust began slowly. Age-old prejudice led to discrimination. Discrimination led to persecution. Persecution to incarceration, and incarceration to annihilation.
By understanding and reflecting on the Holocaust we also realize there's a price to remaining "neutral." In the Holocaust, the bystander became an enabler. Through this reflection, it helps us see where our indifference may be enabling prejudice or discrimination in our city, neighborhood or workplace.
Our reflection on the Holocaust also reminds us how fragile and precious democracy is. It reminds us of our role in nurturing it. When we choose to honor our neighbors, and respect even those we disagree with, our hearts stay soft to the humanity around us.
This Monday, let's pause and reflect on the Holocaust. Let's commit to learning about its history and impact. But more, let's commit to nurture our neighborhoods and cities in ways that strengthen our goodness, decency and humanity.
