Knowledge Helps Prevent

Jan27InternationalHolocaustREMDayFriday, January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Commemorated since 2006, the day was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly because it was on that day that Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated in 1945 by the Soviets.

Although Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest killing center and concentration camp, most of the remaining prisoners were force marched from the site and much of the camp was destroyed. When the Soviets arrived they found only a few thousand people but much evidence of the massive operation that the camp had been: hundreds of thousands men’s suits, 800,000 women’s outfits, and more than 14,000 pounds of human hair.

The UN has urged every member state to remember and honor victims of Nazi brutality and work toward educating citizens to help prevent further genocides.

The 2005 resolution specifically rejects any kind of Holocaust denial.

Beginning in 2010, the UN has chosen specific themes that are related to the day. The theme for 2017 is “Educating for a Better Future.”

jan27Holo freedman-1Commemorations will be held around the world including a program at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, where Bjorn Lyrvall, the Swedish ambassador to the United States and a Holocaust survivor will speak. In addition, at the UN an exhibit called State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda, examining how the Nazis used propaganda, will run through March 5 and UN Information Centers in more than 40 countries will mount scaled down versions of the exhibit. The same exhibit will be available at the World War II Museum in New Orleans and at the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) in Paris.

Jan27Holo1HayesThe Holocaust is a very difficult topic. Some say that we suffer from “Holocaust fatigue.” However, in order not to repeat the horrors of history, we must be aware of history and make our children aware, too.

Jan27HoloFrankThe Lampert Library has an excellent selection of age appropriate Holocaust and Holocaust related books for readers at every level, from picture books on acceptance and kindness to studies for adults about the causes of this cataclysmic event.

Check the automated catalog for holdings (Shomrei.org/library) or email the librarian (email hidden; JavaScript is required) .

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