January 27th is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
It will have been almost four months since the horrific events that unfolded in Israel on October 7th, 2023, the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
It’s said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And here we are, on repeat. This year, after our people being brutally attacked, and as we still hold hope for those taken hostage to come home, our day of Holocaust remembrance will be even more impactful than ever before.
Antisemitism is a problem that has plagued humanity for centuries, and while before October 7th some would say it seemed to have weakened, it is still very much alive and gaining strength. We saw it with the terrorist attack on October 7th, and we have seen it with the 388% rise in antisemitic acts and rhetoric being openly spread worldwide since then.
South Florida, and Miami in particular, has one of the largest Jewish communities in the country.
Even still, this community is often threatened by anti-semitic acts. Recently we have seen everything from swastikas painted on walls to verbal assaults on Jews in public spaces to families coming home and finding threatening notes taped to their doors.
Knowing there is someone out there who hates you enough to want to hurt you, who lives close enough to do that, is terrifying. It affects everything you do.
Going to synagogue and seeing the added security reminds us that going to our place of worship could be dangerous. On Halloween, arranging the cars in our driveway so people wouldn’t come to our door and see our mezuzah. Arriving at an appointment and putting away my Star of David bracelet because maybe the person I am meeting with is antisemitic. Debating whether or not my child should wear a necklace with Jewish symbols on it in case they encounter a stranger who could harm them. I always carry that fear and worry with me in the back of my mind.
Not only have antisemitic activities been on the rise recently all over the world, but what’s worse is that many public figures have become part of the problem by sharing antisemitic rhetoric on their platforms while having the ability to influence large groups of people.
The Holocaust started because of one man’s evil ideas.
But what gave Adolf Hitler his power was not just the spread of those ideas; it was also provided by those who knew it was wrong–and could have changed things–but stayed quiet. That indifference was as much part of the problem as his followers.
In fourth grade, my children’s school had Holocaust survivors come for a visit. After sharing her experience, one woman spoke to the kids about the importance of speaking up if they are bullied or see someone else being bullied. Why did she talk to them about this? She explained to them that hate isn’t the only danger; the danger also lies in being indifferent.
Days like this one help to remind us of how important it is to teach newer generations about what happens when hatred and indifference take over.
It reminds us of the vital part we play as role models and in teaching acceptance, empathy, compassion, and kindness. No matter what a person looks like, where they come from, or what their beliefs are, they should be treated with kindness and respect.
As parents, we teach them to speak up if someone is being treated poorly. Whether it means standing up for themselves or a peer or going to an adult to help, they should never be bystanders to injustice.
But it continues beyond teaching the next generation how to apply these values; we must also emulate them.
A recent study showed that 1 in 5 young Americans think the Holocaust was a myth. That is not only horrifying but dangerous! We have to take time to discuss and educate our children now more than ever to spread light and eliminate darkness.
Even if we feel we are only one person, we must remember we can make a difference. Even if we feel, “Well that has nothing to do with me,” being an ally can make a difference. Any good we can put into the world means there is less hate. Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel once said, “Action is the only remedy to indifference.”
Let’s take action!
Talk about the Holocaust, go to the Holocaust Memorial (here in Miami or anywhere), read the books written by survivors, or post about the Holocaust on social media. All of it makes a difference.
I know many moms here have very young children and may feel it’s too early to teach their children about the Holocaust. However, there are things we can do at every age to teach kids about acceptance and kindness, and that is how we start.
Below is a list of books and other resources that can help with Holocaust education in our homes. There are many others. Read, discuss, and share. May we never forget and continue to educate future generations so we can leave the world a better, less hateful place.
Books
Kindness books for kids
I am Anne Frank (Ordinary People Change the World) (ages 6-9)
Anne Frank: A Kid’s Book About Hope (Mini Movers and Shakers) (ages baby- 12)
Who was Anne Frank? (ages 8-10)
Number the Stars (ages 9-11)
Night (ages 13+)
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl (ages 13+)
Videos
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum YouTube Channel
Memorials
Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Documentation and Education Center
Holocaust Reflection and Resource Center
Jewish Centers and Holocaust Museums in Florida
Websites
USC Shoah Foundation
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Stand Up to Jewish Hate
Updated January 2024
