This week Rabbi Woznica reflects on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Erev Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day

In Every Generation—The Uniqueness of Jew Hatred

One of the striking lines we read in our Passover Haggadah is, “… in each generation, they arise to annihilate us. But the Holy One rescues us from their hand.” It is one theme of the seder. And it has been the theme of Jewish history.

After the Holocaust and the evils and horror of antisemitism, could it be that any leader would again pursue such a goal? And yet, in May of 1967, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt, proclaimed the goal of “the destruction of Israel.” In 2005, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in an address to 4,000 students, said Israel must be “wiped off the map.” It is a theme repeated by many of Israel’s enemies. The current government of Iran regularly publicly states that its singular goal is to annihilate Israel.

The key word is “annihilate.” Many people and countries are hated. Among nations, however, only one—Israel (and the Jewish people)—is targeted for annihilation; complete and utter destruction.

Just over 80 years ago, Nazi Germany began its campaign to systematically destroy the Jewish people. At sunset tonight, we begin the observance of Yom HaShoah. In Israel, on Tuesday morning, a siren will sound throughout the country. For two minutes, Israelis will stop what they are doing. Cars will come to a standstill, and the occupants will silently stand beside them. Television and radio programs will focus on Jewish history. Survivors will be interviewed. Bars, movie theaters, and many other public venues are closed.

Majdanek was liberated in July 1944 by the Soviet army, followed by Auschwitz on January 27, 1945. United States forces liberated Buchenwald on April 11, 1945, followed by the liberation of Dachau, Dora-Mittelbau, and Flossenberg. British forces entered Bergen-Belsen and liberated the concentration camp on April 15, 1945.

This is a day to honor the memory of those who did not survive and embrace those who did.

Rabbi David Woznica
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