Today was Yom Hashoa, Holocaust Memorial Day, across the world. Our hearts joined together to remember those who had so unfairly lost their lives, and to commemorate their lives, despite the hardship that goes with it.
In Israel, it is on Yom Hashoa that, at a specified time during the day, the entire country shuts down for a moment. One single minute is dedicated completely and totally to silence, with the world bowing its head in mourning. This moment, which I hope to one day experience, is so moving simply to hear about, that it shakes the very fibers of one's being.
It is on this day that we remember those who perished at the hands of monsters. I have heard many mourn the 6 million who died in the Jewish Holocaust. This number, however, is not nearly enough. In truth, we must mourn over 12 million people. We must mourn all who died in this horrible time, not simply those who were Jewish. It does not matter what faith a person was; in the end, all life is precious, and far too many were stripped away.
Yom Hashoa is a sad day. Yet it is an even sadder day when we know that this type of hatred still exists today. We cannot forget those who walk among us who continue to be persecuted because of their religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, or sexual preferences. We cannot continue to ignore those who beg for freedom, yet still have none. We cannot blindly pass those who are in need of our strength.
As Jews, it is our job to remember so vividly the horrors that plagued 6 million of our own people, and to assist those who are still suffering. We were once slaves in the land of Egypt, so we are no strangers to the feeling of pain that comes with being hated. It is our job to extend our hands in love, to aid those who have forgotten what it feels like to be loved.
Zichronam L'vracha. May their memories be for a blessing.
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