Reflecting on genocide, then and now.
Originally written and published on January 27, 2022
Addendum on July 23, 2024 - I recognize this was written years before the world’s eyes turned to the war in the Middle East. I am keeping this writing as is but understand that there are additional considerations that I will hopefully write about soon.
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. A day to reflect on one of the most atrocious and dark events in human history and primarily to never forget.
Prior to World War I, deep-rooted antisemitism was limited to the radical right-wing politics throughout most of Europe & the US. After Germany lost WW1, military personnel propagated looming claims that Jews were behind the loss. To admit to capitulation, would be to admit personal failure. This scapegoating perpetuated the underlying hatred towards the jews and two decades later, the Holocaust occurred.
Camps across Europe exterminated over 6 million Jews and thousands of other minority individuals....it was not long ago that the world turned a blind eye to a genocide so unfathomable. Yet, genocide is not a thing of the past. Right now in Myanmar over 175,000 Rohinga Muslim mothers, children, fathers, friends and loved ones have been killed and over a millions have fled. The “education camps” in China are sterilizing their prisoners and very likely much more. Is this how the Holocaust was? Other countries continue on with their daily lives because it did not affect them?
Who or what fuels this?...a leader that spreads hate and distrust in others? Or a false belief that life is a zero-sum game - that for one to prosper, one must be oppressed?
There is growing racism, xenophobia, hate, conspiracy and growing mistrust amongst each other, our systems, and our communities around the world. And although our society is imaginary, it is built on trust. We believe that our system functions properly and our votes are counted. When we stop believing in each other and the structures of our society, it falls apart.
Last month, while on a work trip to Kathmandu, I visited a Rohingya Muslim refugee camp. I met with the camp leaders to discuss their treacherous and devastating journey through Bangladesh, India and now Nepal, seeking home and refuge anywhere they will be accepted. This was my first time interacting with people who are facing active persecution and the impact on my soul was profound.
The government of Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, denies the Rohingya Muslims citizenship and even excluded them from the 2014 census, refusing to recognize them as a people (link).
Nepal had originally allowed them to work although they were not recognized by Nepal as refugees. Not being officially recognized means they can not access food aid, medical assistance or support from the government or the UN. Recently, Nepal revoked their ability to work so now these people sit in this dilapidated refugee camp with cardboard box walls, little food and a pending end date on their lease.
They have nowhere to go, nowhere to work (even though very willing), and no support. To be homeless, stateless and unrecognized…These are the rooms they have been living in for years. The landlord is refusing to allow them to stay any longer and they have no other options.
To whoever is reading this - my only request for today's reflection is to critically think about our society, structures and how our actions and choices inadvertently and directly fuel continued oppression. We have a lot to learn from the Holocaust and if we do not learn from our past, history will continue to repeat itself.
I say a prayer for all of the lives lost in the Holocaust and a blessing that I can still stand proud with a mezuzah on every door in my home and practice my religion and faith openly.
I say a prayer for the thousands of people around the world who are facing death because of their faith.
The more that we learn, listen and support, the better the future is for peace and understanding for the persecuted.
If you are interested in making a difference here are two organizations that I have researched that are supporting the Myanmar crisis well right now:
Islamic Relief WorldWide - 88 cents on your dollar goes directly towards the people in need in Myanmar and neighboring countries.
UNICEF- Since the beginning of this crisis, UNICEF has been working with the Bangladesh government and other partners to deliver relief to children and families living in the refugee camps and settlements and in neighboring host communities.
With love,
Emily