Never Forget: Reflecting on the Past on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered during the Holocaust. This day is not just about reflection—it is a call to action. It is a reminder to honor their memory by standing against antisemitism, hate, and indifference wherever they appear.

The Holocaust was not just a tragedy of history; it was a systematic, calculated attempt to erase an entire people. It was not just the murder of six million individuals—it was the silencing of voices, the extinguishing of dreams, the destruction of families. And it happened not in some faraway corner of the world, but in the heart of Europe, with the world watching.

Even now, decades later, we wrestle with the echoes of that darkness. Survivors bear the scars—both visible and invisible—of horrors that words can barely describe. Families are still grieving the loss of generations that will never be born. And disturbingly, antisemitism is on the rise once again, spreading across communities, nations, and platforms with chilling ease. 

Those who are morally neutral about or support the latter-day Nazis of Hamas and make false claims of genocide against Israel should remain silent on Jan. 27.

A Time to Remember

As we reflect on the Holocaust, we are called to remember not only the victims but also the stories of resilience and courage. We think of Anne Frank, whose diary stands as a testament to hope in the face of unimaginable cruelty. We think of Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked their lives to save Jewish neighbors. We think of countless others—named and unnamed—who stood against evil, even when it cost them everything.

Their stories challenge us to ask ourselves: What would I have done? Would I have stood with the oppressed, or would I have turned away?

The Weight of Silence

The Holocaust reminds us of the devastating cost of indifference. When nations closed their doors to Jewish refugees, they turned their backs on human lives. When neighbors whispered but didn’t act, they allowed evil to flourish. And when individuals stayed silent, thinking the problem was not their own, they became complicit in the suffering of others.

Silence is not neutral. Silence is a choice.

Today, silence is still dangerous. Hate speech spreads online, conspiracy theories flourish, and attacks on Jewish communities are rising. In this moment, we must decide: Will we be silent, or will we speak out?

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we are called to be more than observers of history. We are called to be advocates, educators, and protectors of truth.

• Educate: Share the stories of survivors with your children, your friends, and your community. The Holocaust must not be reduced to a distant memory; it must remain a vital lesson for future generations.
• Stand Against Hate: Speak out against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of prejudice. Challenge hate when you see it, whether it’s in a casual comment or a public platform.
• Support Israel: The existence of the State of Israel is not only a fulfillment of biblical prophecy—it is a refuge and a reminder that never again must the Jewish people stand alone.

Never Forget

In the words of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel: “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” Bearing witness means more than remembering—it means acting. It means ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never repeated. It means standing up for the Jewish people, for truth, and for the values of humanity and dignity.

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to stand in the gap. We are called to honor the memory of those lost, protect the survivors among us, and speak out against the forces of hate that still persist.

On this solemn day, let us commit to being lights in the darkness. And let us commit to never forget.