Mr. Edgar M. Bronfman, of Montreal and president of the World Jewish Congress, warned of surging anti-Semitism in Europe, a phenomenon most thought had disappeared more than half a century ago. This week we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation; at the same time, a BBC study has found that nearly half those surveyed have never heard of Auschwitz, suggesting that the memory of the Holocaust remains unacceptably corralled in a Jewish ghetto.
Germany, as the nation that initiated and perpetrated the greatest of all human crimes, bears particular and unforgiveable responsibility. But the recent struggle for moral and material restitution forced Europe to confront its sordid past, shattering decades of myths that Germany alone was responsible for the sins of the Holocaust. That Austria was the first willing accomplice, not the first victim; that not all French people supported de Gaulle; that Swiss "neutrality" in the face of evil was a crime; that European governments and industry worked in concert to participate in and finance the German war machine; and that nations aided the genocide by turning Jewish refugees away at their borders are just some of the contemporary confessions this struggle exposed. Shamefully, the lessons borne from this continental introspection have been forgotten so quickly one wonders if they were taught widely at all. While apologists claim Holocaust fatigue, nay-sayers spread their lies in open forums, instructors teaching the Holocaust are shouted down by students and we experience insensitivity toward the Holocaust by Europe's younger generation, sometimes from the highest and most important families.
Not being Jewish myself, I regret not having a suitable capture showing a Menora.
May the crimes against humanity... come to a stop.
Well stated! I agree and it is a bigger atrocity that the children/people are not told of this terrible crime against humanity to teach tolerance. We were very well educated about it when I was younger. Again - splendid dedication.
Mr. Barbary, Seizing on its unique position, Germany must lead and others should follow in the multinational effort to ensure lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Through the European Union and Commission, Germany should advocate legislation similar to its own related to Nazism, extremism and anti-Semitism.
Those who believe these actions unnecessary need only observe the resurgence of anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence in their city squares. Those who believe this a uniquely Jewish problem need only examine Rwanda's recent past, Sudan's present and Nigeria's future. Europe's governments, religions and institutions must summon the will to confront history and use it to protect the future. In this week of commemoration, the blood of the victims cries out for nothing less.
A Picture tells a story... and for those that need some insight... there is a place for an 'About'!
Your comments on the photo... itself... is really quite admirable... for which I thank you!
Peace on earth and acceptance of others beliefs. Extremists are the pest of our society and they spread across many religions, people and countries. By the way, it was not Germany as a nation! One cannot simplistically blame a nation for the crimes of some of its people. Let's keep this site about photography.
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{K:14261} 1/28/2005
