Marking Yom HaShoah

Today is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we honor the memories of the six million Jews horrifically killed in the Holocaust. It is a solemn day for us to remember those tragically lost in the Shoah, honor their memory, and recommit to the promise of “never again.”

In honor of Yom HaShoah, President Biden issued a proclamation honoring those lost. It includes the following:

“Hate must have no safe harbor in America or anywhere else. Today and always, we make our message clear: Evil will not win. Hate will not prevail.  And the violence of antisemitism will not be the story of our time. Together, we can ensure that ‘never again’ is a promise we keep.”

Also — Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is the stepson of a Holocaust survivor, shared the following in honor of Yom HaShoah:

“Among the powerful lessons we reflect on this Yom HaShoah is that the mass murder of six million Jews was not a sudden or singular act, but rather the culmination of countless incremental steps designed to vilify and dehumanize people. We must remember, now and always.”

As we remember the horror of six million Jews killed, we also cannot ignore the rise of antisemitism today. As demonstrated by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)’s 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, antisemitic incidents have risen at alarming rates and rising white supremacy is the leading cause of this unprecedented increase. This audit confirms that the dangerous convergence of right-wing extremism and antisemitism are threats to our democracy and community.

Deeply offensive Holocaust distortions are increasingly used by politicians who seek to exploit the memory of the Holocaust for their own gain. Last month, the Chair of the Michigan Republican Party defended the state party’s use of gross Holocaust distortion, and we spoke out. Speaking to Michiganders via their local TV news, we demanded the resignation of the chairwoman. Unfortunately, this example was one of many. Join us by condemning the use of Holocaust denial and distortion.

May the memories of the lives lost in the Shoah remain a blessing, and may we make the solemn pledge to ensure the promise of “never again.”

Regards,

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America