They told 6 million “Work Sets You Free”. As Holocaust Memorial Day approaches on January 27th, I decided to dedicate my first blog to the remembrance of this hugely important day. As a subject which is close to my heart, it shocks me at the lack of understanding and knowledge of the subject, a factor which seems to be centred around the lack of education in schools.
The atrocities which took place during the years of 1939-1945 should never be forgotten, and this lack of education makes these events an ever-fading part of history. Ignorance was a huge factor in the catalyst for the perpetrators which, regarding the outcome, is a daunting thought. Nazis exploited local ignorance and prejudices in order to indoctrinate the German people into Hitler’s way of thinking. Recently I came into contact with a German girl who explained that there is still a huge sense of shame which hangs over Germans to this day. She also explained that when she was in school (about 10 years ago I’d estimate) that in every class that it was possible, they were taught of the horrors which took place. Why is this not the case in the UK? Surely there needs to be some degree of education in order to not only preserve the memory of the victims, but also to prevent anything like this ever taking place again? I strongly believe that education is a pivotal element in passing on the memory of those who couldn’t share their story and also for those nowadays, who have never heard it.
6 million Jews were persecuted at the hands of the Nazis, as well as 6 million (approx.) non-Jews e.g gypsies, homosexuals, the physically disabled and prisoners of war. 6 million. That is more than the population of Scotland. ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ was Auschwitz’s slogan and the first image to greet the eye at the entrance to the concentration camp - meaning ‘Work Sets You Free’ ... is this the biggest lie in history? Put yourself in the position of the prisoners of Auschwitz, an incomprehensible fear which is never alleviated, an uncertainty surrounding everything in your life, being granted the gift of life for one more day which is determined by a YES or a NO of a Nazi ... this certainly doesn’t sound like freedom.
Arguably, ignorance is dangerous and it is paramount that we never forget - by teaching future generations, as well as current generations. The Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to take one day of the year to reflect on this part of history.
The Lessons From Auschwitz Project is an organisation which works with schools to arrange visits to the camp itself - undoubtedly giving an eye-opening experience for the teenagers involved. As one of these participants I found this an invaluable experience which provided me with a new understanding on an enormous scale. Standing on the train tracks, being inside the door of the gas chambers, and viewing gunshots in walls is an experience which is unforgettable and I feel honoured to have had the privilege of commemorating the lost souls in that way. I feel it is a duty to encourage people to have this strong sense of understanding and emotional connection. How would you feel to walk the footsteps of a man or woman knowing they were your last ...?
The platform at the train tracks in Auschwitz is the one place in the world where the most goodbyes have ever been said. As time passes the victims become numbers instead of names, and the camps become museums and commemorative spots as opposed to crematoriums and murder sites. How can we allow these facts to be forgotten? Why have they now become facts as opposed to personal tragedies?
It is said that time heals everything, but the Holocaust should be predominant in everyones mind. If people begin to forget the horrors then surely a similar ignorance will arise as it did in the 1930’s?
On Monday the 27th January, make this your first (and hopefully one of many) Holocaust Memorial Day which makes an impact on your life, or on the life of someone you know. Keep the memory of the lost alive; the mothers, fathers, children and friends who suffered at the hands of the Nazis. I for one will be lighting a candle to symbolise those lives lost and if I can encourage even one person to do the same, there is one more Holocaust victim whose memory is living on.
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