DeKalb Times

On January 27, the world remembers the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the state-sponsored persecution and mass murder of millions of European Jews, Romani people, political dissidents, and other marginalized groups by the German Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945.

Adolf Hitler's "final solution" was a dark chapter in human history, resulting in the death of over 11 million people, including six million Jews. Hitler's obsession with racial purity and territorial expansion led to the establishment of concentration camps and the systematic murder of Jewish people through gas chambers, mass shootings, and deprivation of basic necessities.

As World War II came to an end, the Nazis attempted to destroy evidence of their crimes, but the extent of the atrocities could not be fully covered up. The Nuremberg Trials brought the horrors of the Holocaust to light, with survivors bravely sharing their eyewitness accounts and proof of the mass killings. In the aftermath, survivors took the lead in creating archives, memorials, and museums to ensure that the world would never forget.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center stands as a testament to the legacy of the Holocaust. It serves to honor the memories of those lost and those who survived by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The museum website features the stories of over 50 survivors from the Chicagoland area, each with a unique tale of resilience and survival.

Ben Goldwater, a Holocaust survivor, emphasizes the importance of learning from history to prevent its repetition. He states, "I think people should learn what occurred so that history doesn't repeat itself. And I think that's the most important part of what we, the survivors, tell our audiences."

Judy Kolb echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the constant retelling of the Holocaust's horrendous story. She believes that by keeping the memory alive, we can ensure that future generations do not forget. She states, "This is an important place and an important story, a horrendous story that needs to be constantly told so people will not forget about it."

Aaron Elster, another survivor, recognizes the responsibility survivors have to speak out against atrocities. He asserts, "We, as survivors, have made this our mission to stand and speak out as loudly as our voices will carry and to those that will listen, that the atrocities committed against us and our families must never recur to any people."

As we remember the Holocaust on this solemn occasion, it is crucial that we heed the lessons of history. By learning from the past and listening to the powerful testimonies of survivors, we can work towards a world free from hatred, prejudice, and indifference.