We must never forget
One of the most horrific and traumatic events of the 20th century was the Holocaust. Over 6 million Jews were systematically and brutally murdered by Nazi Germany, destroying most of the Jews of Europe. Many others died as well, but only the Jews were marked out for complete elimination. One of the constant cries after World War II was, “We must never forget.” And it is imperative that we not forget. This Wednesday, April 23, is Yom Shoah, or Holocaust Memorial Day.
The 20th century was the most murderous time in the history of the world. Not only did we see the murder of innocent Jews in Germany, but over 60 million people in Germany and the rest of Europe, and throughout the world during that war. There were over 50 million that died in World War I. Though exact numbers are hard to come by, even more were killed by Stalin, and even more by Mao. This was the century of the most murderous tyrants who ever lived.
Tragically we are seeing a new explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States and in other countries. It is one thing to oppose the way in which Israel is dealing with the Palestinian problem (I am strongly opposed to some of the tactics there, as well), and another to blame all individual Jews for those issues, and to blame them for all of the ills of the world. To physically assault innocent men and women and children because of their Jewish faith and practice is a terrible crime and a shameful sin.
As we recall the Holocaust, we must say, along with the Jews themselves, “Never again!” And that refers not only to Jewish victims, but all who are targeted for any kind of ethnic cleansing.
—Fr. Mike Comer
The 20th century was the most murderous time in the history of the world. Not only did we see the murder of innocent Jews in Germany, but over 60 million people in Germany and the rest of Europe, and throughout the world during that war. There were over 50 million that died in World War I. Though exact numbers are hard to come by, even more were killed by Stalin, and even more by Mao. This was the century of the most murderous tyrants who ever lived.
Tragically we are seeing a new explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States and in other countries. It is one thing to oppose the way in which Israel is dealing with the Palestinian problem (I am strongly opposed to some of the tactics there, as well), and another to blame all individual Jews for those issues, and to blame them for all of the ills of the world. To physically assault innocent men and women and children because of their Jewish faith and practice is a terrible crime and a shameful sin.
As we recall the Holocaust, we must say, along with the Jews themselves, “Never again!” And that refers not only to Jewish victims, but all who are targeted for any kind of ethnic cleansing.
—Fr. Mike Comer