We are marking Israel's “Solemn Days” – Holocaust Remembrance Day and the day of remembrance of the fallen of Israel's wars and victims of terrorism, followed closely by Israel's Independence Day.
There has been much discussion about how Independence Day celebrations should be adjusted in light of the events of recent months, since the October 7 Hamas attack and the ensuing war. First, you should consider if these events could have any impact. It's on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The use of the Shoah language has become commonplace in the intervening months, but if the rhetoric and imagery used seems unduly influenced by the horrific and tragic events of the past six months, the significance of the day is There is a risk of fading.
In the years since then, the political rhetoric of Holocaust Remembrance Day has expanded far beyond the specifics of the Holocaust.
Just last year, the Israeli prime minister mentioned the Iranian threat at the beginning of official Holocaust Remembrance Day proceedings during a visit to Germany, comparing Iran to the Nazis and specifically warning of genocidal threats against Israel. The Prime Minister is by no means alone, but his speeches on the issue have become almost a trademark in recent years. Given the recent large-scale missile attack from Iran, it would not be surprising if he chose to emphasize this theme again. Visitors seen at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem on April 26, 2022, ahead of Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)
Almost from the moment of the October attacks, the Holocaust, Nazism, and genocide have been used widely and freely in news commentary, social media, and political discussion.
These terms are used by Israel's close allies and supporters to describe the barbarity of Hamas terrorists, to describe October 7th as the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, and to explain that Hamas's charter and policies are It has been used to point out that it was a genocide against the Jewish people. Typically.
To Israel's opponents, haters, and various useful fools, it is a mirror image. Israel has been repeatedly compared to Nazi Germany, accused by South Africa of committing genocide at the International Court of Justice, and cheered by many other countries and pro-Hamas activists. And, of course, the hateful atmosphere on many college campuses is much more than that. More than genocidal overtones.
The use of this imagery and language by our opponents is revolting and driven by hatred of Israel and, in many cases, anti-Semitic ideology. But even if comparing Hamas to the Nazis and emphasizing their genocidal tendencies is on its face reasonable and entirely justified, bringing this to Holocaust Remembrance Day itself is There is a danger that it will dilute rather than enhance it.
Purpose of this day “Never Again”
The purpose of Holocaust Remembrance Day is twofold. His 1959 law, which established the day on Israel's official calendar, lists only one purpose: “This day is dedicated every year to the memory of the Holocaust and to the memory of the Jews, perpetrated against them by the Nazis and his agents,” the heroic deeds and rebellion of that time. ”
There is a second purpose that has developed over the years. This is best called “Never Again!” This means that Holocaust memory not only records the horrific events of that time, but also warns of the danger of them repeating themselves. In Israel, this is interpreted in different ways. Never be a passive victim, never abandon your brother, never be a passive bystander, never be a perpetrator.
I think it is impossible, and perhaps even inappropriate, to ignore the atmosphere of sadness that hangs over current events and the events of this year, but we need to balance this with unwarranted and over-the-top comparisons. Hamas' barbarity is reprehensible without remorse for the Nazis, but there is little point in some sort of comparative analysis of which is worse.
To understand what hatred and anti-Semitism means to a generation that has little indirect, if not first-hand, knowledge of the Holocaust, since almost an entire generation of survivors is no longer in this world. There may even be an intended educational benefit. But no matter how bad Hamas is and the sadness of loss and sacrifice is palpable in the air, it is no secret that Hamas was responsible for the murder of 6 million Jews and the 12 years of Nazi rule that culminated in the final battle. cannot be used as a complete substitute for the fear of Solved.
As the sirens blare, I first try to remember the victims of the Holocaust and try to understand its enormity, but to no avail. Only then will I think about the victims of October 7th. We are currently in a period where the events of the Holocaust are occurring. The last Simchat Torah is on our minds all day and every day. Therefore, we should give the Holocaust the day it sadly deserves.
A founding partner of GoldRock Capital, the author is also the founder of the Institute for Jewish and Zionist Studies. He is a former chair of Gesher, World Bnei Akiva, and the Haredi Employment Coalition.
