If you are a parent or a teacher, please ensure the next generation learns these lessons from history. Teach kids and students to think for themselves and have their own values and beliefs. Especially in today's world, where populism is rising, it is crucial to think critically and question our leaders' actions rather than blindly following the laws they put in place. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
"For in the end, it is all about memory, its sources and its magnitude, and of course its consequences." Elie Weisel For me it is the kinship of gratitude that binds all of us together. We remember the gratitude of the survivors and the unimaginable extermination of the Jewish People. We are thankful for their lives and the valuable history lesson in their stories.
When I was walking through the Holocaust Museum in DC, the sight was almost too much. I thought why put myself through this. I then saw a quote from Deuteronomy. In part, "Only guard yourself and guard your soul carefully lest you forget what your eyes saw......and you shall make them known to your children and your children's children."
A lovely article, Alex. Thank you. An important reminder to bear witness and follow our internal North Star; our spirit given moral values that will rise higher than the Laws of Man.
"There are victories of the soul & spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win." In the end love wins.
Heartbreaking and painful to read but so deeply cognizant of your perception.
Thank you for such a heartfelt writing and keeping these important remembrances alive. They must never be forgotten. Things we see happening today in my country are frighteningly reminiscent of how these atrocities began.
“It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that history does not repeat itself.”
We can never forget. It is indeed our responsibility and obligation.
Excellent, thoughtful account of the reason for Holocaust Remembrance Day, important on so many levels!
#1 - It gives substance to "Never again," which has been too often reduced to an empty slogan.
#2 - Reminds us why the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights was conceived and ratified.
#3 - You give clear distinction between "the law" and ethics and morals.
#4 - This exemplifies why accurate recording and telling of history is imperative.
#5 - Same for critical thinking skills and critical media literacy skills. (Finland gets this right!)
As an Armenian and descendant of Genocide survivors, the continued denial of the genocide by Turkey is shameless, as is the lack of recognition by Turkey's NATO allies, which until 2021 included the United States (thanks to Biden for changing that, finally!). When genocide is not recognized, it means that history can be adulterated to benefit those in power. Then again, history is always written by the victors. But this makes Alexander's point all the more strongly that "we the people" must be able to think critically for ourselves because "the law" usually benefits leaders, unless there are checks-and-balances and citizens hold leaders to account. This is something Alexander often alludes to (or states outright) regarding climate justice. In the U.S., I am in shock every day that a new mandate or law is made to further deny history, and/or outlaw any factual recounting of history, especially regarding slavery and genocide of First Nations peoples. Meanwhile, the country is imploding with guns.
I think I like the cute cat photos and landscapes better :) but truth-telling is the real mission.
The cat photos and landscapes figure so often in my newsletters just to keep me sane while writing about this crazy world. And perhaps, to a large extend, it may be that the beauty of this world is what's life all about. So I share the threats and the treats of living our lives.
I appreciate that fine balance more than you know, and am grateful for your sanity and seriousness, as well as love and care for nature and sense of humour too! :)
It's hard to find a few words for the murder of six million people. Perhaps that's why we need Anne Frank or Primo Levi, it brings us closer to just one of them, but getting to know them makes it all even harder to understand.
Lizzie Pi has stated response beautifully. The two letters of five found at the death camp add urgency to our moral compasses. We must act collectively and quickly to assure the survival of ourselves and our children. Thank you for this timely article.
While reading about the five letters last night, I found out that one of the five did survive Auschwitz. His letter was found nine years after he died quite young; still in his fifties. He had also written about his experiences directly after the war.
Alex, I find the heartfelt messages containing memories, asking for forgiveness and expressing love so much more revealing of a person and his/her times than most books or films (tho the little girl in the red coat in “Schindler’s List” remains fresh in my mind). It’s heartbreaking and devastating to see the cruelty of men. It’s uplifting and inspiring to see the power of love. It’s a reminder to never be silent or inactive when seeing signs of discrimination and hate. Thank you for writing this moving remembrance.
Exceptional remembrance and homage. Voices awakened from a nightmare remind us of our fragility, but also of our resilience against fear and cruelty. Humanity has pieces of history that cannot be repeated. May we, not repair a past that cannot be erased, but be aware of our ability to challenge and transform minds and actions towards a future where our dreams and realities are taken as examples of hope, faith and gratitude for leading the present and pave the way for generations to come. We have the tools, heart and soul, we are capable of wonderful changes.
Gratitude for this heartfelt sharing Alexander. In life there are too few good, moral leaders and too many mindless followers. Positive intentions for humankind going forward.
"For in the end, it is all about memory, its sources and its magnitude, and of course its consequences." Elie Weisel For me it is the kinship of gratitude that binds all of us together. We remember the gratitude of the survivors and the unimaginable extermination of the Jewish People. We are thankful for their lives and the valuable history lesson in their stories.
When I was walking through the Holocaust Museum in DC, the sight was almost too much. I thought why put myself through this. I then saw a quote from Deuteronomy. In part, "Only guard yourself and guard your soul carefully lest you forget what your eyes saw......and you shall make them known to your children and your children's children."
A lovely article, Alex. Thank you. An important reminder to bear witness and follow our internal North Star; our spirit given moral values that will rise higher than the Laws of Man.
"There are victories of the soul & spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win." In the end love wins.
beautiful. thank you
Heartbreaking and painful to read but so deeply cognizant of your perception.
Thank you for such a heartfelt writing and keeping these important remembrances alive. They must never be forgotten. Things we see happening today in my country are frighteningly reminiscent of how these atrocities began.
“It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that history does not repeat itself.”
We can never forget. It is indeed our responsibility and obligation.
Thank you, Lizzie
Excellent, thoughtful account of the reason for Holocaust Remembrance Day, important on so many levels!
#1 - It gives substance to "Never again," which has been too often reduced to an empty slogan.
#2 - Reminds us why the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights was conceived and ratified.
#3 - You give clear distinction between "the law" and ethics and morals.
#4 - This exemplifies why accurate recording and telling of history is imperative.
#5 - Same for critical thinking skills and critical media literacy skills. (Finland gets this right!)
As an Armenian and descendant of Genocide survivors, the continued denial of the genocide by Turkey is shameless, as is the lack of recognition by Turkey's NATO allies, which until 2021 included the United States (thanks to Biden for changing that, finally!). When genocide is not recognized, it means that history can be adulterated to benefit those in power. Then again, history is always written by the victors. But this makes Alexander's point all the more strongly that "we the people" must be able to think critically for ourselves because "the law" usually benefits leaders, unless there are checks-and-balances and citizens hold leaders to account. This is something Alexander often alludes to (or states outright) regarding climate justice. In the U.S., I am in shock every day that a new mandate or law is made to further deny history, and/or outlaw any factual recounting of history, especially regarding slavery and genocide of First Nations peoples. Meanwhile, the country is imploding with guns.
I think I like the cute cat photos and landscapes better :) but truth-telling is the real mission.
Many thanks, and my apologies for ranting!
The cat photos and landscapes figure so often in my newsletters just to keep me sane while writing about this crazy world. And perhaps, to a large extend, it may be that the beauty of this world is what's life all about. So I share the threats and the treats of living our lives.
I appreciate that fine balance more than you know, and am grateful for your sanity and seriousness, as well as love and care for nature and sense of humour too! :)
What a well-written article in honor of all those who perished. Thank you.
I was going to say more, but I have trouble finding the right words. So, just Thank You!
It's hard to find a few words for the murder of six million people. Perhaps that's why we need Anne Frank or Primo Levi, it brings us closer to just one of them, but getting to know them makes it all even harder to understand.
Lizzie Pi has stated response beautifully. The two letters of five found at the death camp add urgency to our moral compasses. We must act collectively and quickly to assure the survival of ourselves and our children. Thank you for this timely article.
While reading about the five letters last night, I found out that one of the five did survive Auschwitz. His letter was found nine years after he died quite young; still in his fifties. He had also written about his experiences directly after the war.
Alex, I find the heartfelt messages containing memories, asking for forgiveness and expressing love so much more revealing of a person and his/her times than most books or films (tho the little girl in the red coat in “Schindler’s List” remains fresh in my mind). It’s heartbreaking and devastating to see the cruelty of men. It’s uplifting and inspiring to see the power of love. It’s a reminder to never be silent or inactive when seeing signs of discrimination and hate. Thank you for writing this moving remembrance.
Thank you Dawna. Yes, so true
Exceptional remembrance and homage. Voices awakened from a nightmare remind us of our fragility, but also of our resilience against fear and cruelty. Humanity has pieces of history that cannot be repeated. May we, not repair a past that cannot be erased, but be aware of our ability to challenge and transform minds and actions towards a future where our dreams and realities are taken as examples of hope, faith and gratitude for leading the present and pave the way for generations to come. We have the tools, heart and soul, we are capable of wonderful changes.
yes we do, Margret Mead's words come to mind
“There is no greater insight into the future than recognizing...when we save our children, we save ourselves”
Gratitude for this heartfelt sharing Alexander. In life there are too few good, moral leaders and too many mindless followers. Positive intentions for humankind going forward.
yes you're right Mary, and each of us can make a bit of a difference
Such a very important post. Thank you.
Thank you, Rena