As Holocaust Memorial Day January 27 2025

[Social Media]

 

As Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 approaches, the urgency of maintaining education about the Holocaust grows ever stronger, particularly as the number of survivors who can share their firsthand accounts dwindles. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET), emphasizes that we are at a pivotal moment in ensuring the lessons of this atrocity are not lost to time. Pollock poignantly reminds us, “Eyewitnesses will not be here forever.”  

 

This year’s observance offers not only a chance to honor the six million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust but also a moment to reflect on the critical responsibility to carry forward their stories. Pollock underscores that educating future generations about the “horror of the Holocaust and the explicit, unprecedented nature and uniqueness of this episode in history” is more vital than ever.  

 

To address this challenge, the HET is leveraging modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to preserve survivors’ testimonies in ways that allow schoolchildren to engage in virtual conversations with them. This innovation represents a powerful tool in ensuring that the voices of those who endured unimaginable suffering remain accessible for generations to come.  

 

Pollock stresses that Holocaust education must also explore the roots of antisemitism and how it culminated in the Nazis’ systematic attempt to exterminate Europe’s Jewish population. “It didn’t start with the gas chambers, didn’t even start with the brick through a window,” she explains, urging young people to understand the incremental nature of persecution and the dangers of complicity and indifference.  

 

The recent escalation of antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict highlights the enduring relevance of this work. Multiple police forces in the UK have reported an increase in antisemitic incidents since the war began, and Pollock warns of the rising prevalence of antisemitism both online and offline. She observes that some individuals still fail to recognize antisemitism as they would other forms of prejudice, a troubling reality in an era where misinformation is readily accessible through platforms like TikTok.  

 

Pollock’s message is clear: understanding the Holocaust requires grappling with the brutality of extremism, both past and present. She cites the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 others, as a stark reminder of the horrors that can arise from hatred and extremism.  

 

In a moment of profound significance, King Charles III is set to visit Auschwitz to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Pollock praises the visit, stating, “Knowing that His Majesty the King is going to be there, and on behalf of Britain, I mean, you couldn’t ask for anything more. It sends such a strong message of support.” She adds that Holocaust survivors hold the King in deep affection and regard, and his presence will undoubtedly resonate deeply with them.  

 

The HET’s Lessons from Auschwitz project, supported by government funding, continues to play a key role in fostering awareness. Each year, this program enables nearly 3,000 young people from UK secondary schools to visit Auschwitz, offering them a profound and personal connection to history.  

 

As we mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, the responsibility to preserve and pass on the stories of the Holocaust lies increasingly with us. Karen Pollock’s words serve as a powerful reminder that the fight against hatred and ignorance must continue, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. 

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-27

 

 

 

[Cryingdick]

I am sure people showed up from the river to the sea.

[Bkk Brian]

A touching speech by the Queen who delivered a powerful address about the holocaust, its history and how important it is to never forget the tragic event.

 

Quite unlike the sham of the Irish PM in his Holocaust Remembrance speech who took it upon himself to use at as a platform for bringing Gaza into it.

 

I knew Ireland was bad, but this is just inexcusable and unconscionable! At event marking Int'l Holocaust Remembrance Day, 
@PresidentIRL engages in Holocaust distortion, by comparing the Holocaust to Gaza, and then ejects a Jewish woman for daring to call out this antisemite and bigot. Israel could not have been any more right to close its Embassy at this Jew-hating country.

 

 

Irish president attacks Israel during ceremony, Jews who protested were forcibly removed
Irish President Michael Higgins used his Holocaust Remembrance Day speech to criticize Israel, sparking protests from Jewish attendees who were forcibly removed; Jewish leaders had warned the president's participation was inappropriate, citing his dismissal of antisemitism concerns and anti-Israel rhetoric 

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hytegzvuje

 

 

 

 

[loong]

That is a new low for the antisemitic Irish president! Has he no shame at all?

[placeholder]

8 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

A touching speech by the Queen who delivered a powerful address about the holocaust, its history and how important it is to never forget the tragic event.

 

Quite unlike the sham of the Irish PM in his Holocaust Remembrance speech who took it upon himself to use at as a platform for bringing Gaza into it.

 

I knew Ireland was bad, but this is just inexcusable and unconscionable! At event marking Int'l Holocaust Remembrance Day, 
@PresidentIRL engages in Holocaust distortion, by comparing the Holocaust to Gaza, and then ejects a Jewish woman for daring to call out this antisemite and bigot. Israel could not have been any more right to close its Embassy at this Jew-hating country.

 

 

Irish president attacks Israel during ceremony, Jews who protested were forcibly removed
Irish President Michael Higgins used his Holocaust Remembrance Day speech to criticize Israel, sparking protests from Jewish attendees who were forcibly removed; Jewish leaders had warned the president's participation was inappropriate, citing his dismissal of antisemitism concerns and anti-Israel rhetoric 

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hytegzvuje

 

 

 

 

As I recall, Israelis and others aren't the least bit reluctant to claim that Hamas poses a threat similar to the Holocaust. In fact, invoking the Holocaust has even been used by right wing Israelis against their own leaders.

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, placeholder said:

As I recall, Israelis and others aren't the least bit reluctant to claim that Hamas poses a threat similar to the Holocaust. In fact, invoking the Holocaust has even been used by right wing Israelis against their own leaders.

That's a Grade A snarky generalization. 

[Bkk Brian]

1 minute ago, placeholder said:

As I recall, Israelis and others aren't the least bit reluctant to claim that Hamas poses a threat similar to the Holocaust. In fact, invoking the Holocaust has even been used by right wing Israelis against their own leaders.

Considering that Hamas have stated multiple times they would like to wipe Israel off the face of the earth and just a few days ago in Qatar a Hamas leader stated that they were proud of Oct 7th and will do it again its not really surprising that Hamas the genocidal terror group is used as an example by Israel. Its not only Israel either, plenty of countries and media use the Holocaust as an example of Oct 7th, why? Because its the worst massacre of Jews since then. Got it?

[placeholder]

Just now, Bkk Brian said:

Considering that Hamas have stated multiple times they would like to wipe Israel off the face of the earth and just a few days ago in Qatar a Hamas leader stated that they were proud of Oct 7th and will do it again its not really surprising that Hamas the genocidal terror group is used as an example by Israel. Its not only Israel either, plenty of countries and media use the Holocaust as an example of Oct 7th, why? Because its the worst massacre of Jews since then. Got it?

Genocidal? Maybe if they could, they would be. You seriously believe that Hamas poses a credible threat to the survival of the Jewish people of Israel? But thanks for providing more evidence in support of my point.

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, placeholder said:

Genocidal? Maybe if they could, they would be. You seriously believe that Hamas poses a credible threat to the survival of the Jewish people of Israel? But thanks for providing more evidence in support of my point.

Yes genocidal and yes if they could they would. Israel stops them fortunately.

 

You are most welcome to.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, placeholder said:

Genocidal? Maybe if they could, they would be. You seriously believe that Hamas poses a credible threat to the survival of the Jewish people of Israel? But thanks for providing more evidence in support of my point.

Iran does. Iran supports Hamas and Hezbollah.

[placeholder]

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Iran does. Iran supports Hamas and Hezbollah.

I'm not sure I understand your point. Do you believe that Hamas and Hezbollah pose a genocidal threat to Israel via Iranian support? 

[placeholder]

4 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Yes genocidal and yes if they could they would. Israel stops them fortunately.

 

You are most welcome to.

Keep on invoking the G word. 

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, placeholder said:

Keep on invoking the G word. 

A fact.

 

The deadliest slaughter of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust was a “military accomplishment” and “a source of pride for our people… to be passed down from generation to generation,” al-Hayya said.

Hamas’s top negotiator in the ceasefire and hostage talks said despite suing for an end to the war, the group would continue to pursue Israel’s destruction, looking toward Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a “compass.”

“Our people will expel the occupation from our land and from Jerusalem at the earliest time possible,” said al-Hayya.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-touts-ceasefire-as-a-defeat-for-israel-while-hailing-oct-7-atrocities/

[GammaGlobulin]

One thing I never realized is that Holocaust Memorial Day falls just one day after my birthday.

Never realized this before.

 

Anyway, although my birthday is completely unimportant to me.

 

The memorial day....which for me  was everyday, in fact.....is important....

 

And, it SHOULD BE important to ALL.....

 

Just sayin'......

 

 

Not a very good look......

 

Is it......!!!!!!!

 

 

[Jingthing]

7 minutes ago, placeholder said:

I'm not sure I understand your point. Do you believe that Hamas and Hezbollah pose a genocidal threat to Israel via Iranian support? 

It would take a full direct effort from Iran but those two forces would be on board with such an effort, if it ever comes to pass.

The state of Israel works very hard for it to never come to pass.

But they are a small minority in a very hostile neighborhood.

Don't forget how close Iran is to having weaponized nukes and also how they have directly allied with Russia who of course is chock full of nukes.

Israel isn't paranoid. It's not paranoia if they're realiy out to get you.

They're realistic.

[Social Media]

Please remain on topic, this is not about Gaza. It is about:

 

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, the urgency of maintaining education about the Holocaust grows ever stronger, particularly as the number of survivors who can share their firsthand accounts dwindles.

 

Any more off topic posts will be removed without further warning

[Bkk Brian]

Back on topic and the liberation of Auschwitz 80 years ago.

 

January 27, 2025, marks 80 years since the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz.
On the same day, the world observes 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 - a day to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of this darkest chapter in history.  
As we remember the six million Jews who perished, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.
#Neveragain

 

[placeholder]

11 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

A touching speech by the Queen who delivered a powerful address about the holocaust, its history and how important it is to never forget the tragic event.

 

Quite unlike the sham of the Irish PM in his Holocaust Remembrance speech who took it upon himself to use at as a platform for bringing Gaza into it.

 

I knew Ireland was bad, but this is just inexcusable and unconscionable! At event marking Int'l Holocaust Remembrance Day, 
@PresidentIRL engages in Holocaust distortion, by comparing the Holocaust to Gaza, and then ejects a Jewish woman for daring to call out this antisemite and bigot. Israel could not have been any more right to close its Embassy at this Jew-hating country.

 

 

Irish president attacks Israel during ceremony, Jews who protested were forcibly removed
Irish President Michael Higgins used his Holocaust Remembrance Day speech to criticize Israel, sparking protests from Jewish attendees who were forcibly removed; Jewish leaders had warned the president's participation was inappropriate, citing his dismissal of antisemitism concerns and anti-Israel rhetoric 

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hytegzvuje

 

 

 

 

Once again, conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. How exactly did the PM villify Jews? Where were the usual anti-Semitic tropes? Did he claim Jews control banks? Did he claim that Jews are avaricious?  Did he claim that Jews slaughter Christian children to make Matzoh? Israel is a country. It's not a religion. This is just more gaslighting.

[Nick Carter icp]

9 minutes ago, placeholder said:

Once again, conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. How exactly did the PM villify Jews? Where were the usual anti-Semitic tropes? Did he claim Jews control banks? Did he claim that Jews are avaricious?  Did he claim that Jews slaughter Christian children to make Matzoh? Israel is a country. It's not a religion. This is just more gaslighting.

 

   It wasn't the criticism of Israel , it was the manner of where and when it was done.

It was at a memorial for Jews who died in the Holocaust pre 1945 .

It was about Jews pre 1945, NOT about Israel or Israelis post 1948.

I do believe that its anti Semitic to suggest that all Jews are Israelis .

Anyway thoroughly disrespectful .

   He can criticise Israel all he wants , just don't do it at a Holocaust memorial .

   Imagine going to a slavery memorial and criticizing African Countries  current policies 

[placeholder]

From the article:

"Pollock stresses that Holocaust education must also explore the roots of antisemitism and how it culminated in the Nazis’ systematic attempt to exterminate Europe’s Jewish population. “It didn’t start with the gas chambers, didn’t even start with the brick through a window,” she explains, urging young people to understand the incremental nature of persecution and the dangers of complicity and indifference. "

Actually, it started with Christian demonization of the Jews. Such as the blood libel and blaming contemporary Jews for the death of Jesus. Anti-semitism was so prevalent in European culture that England's 2 greatest writers, Shakespeare and Chaucer, both wrote anti-semitic works.  There was even a racial component to it. The Jesuits forbade anyone with Jewish ancestors as far back as five generations from joining the order. The dreadful Nazi  caricatures of Jews drew heavily on drawings featured in La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic Civilization) an official periodical of the Jesuits whose articles had to be approved by the Vatican before being published. A professor at a small and prestigious New England college told me that his Jewish mother, an emigrant from Eastern Europe, blanched when she heard the church bells ringing in that small college town. Apparently, church bells ringing where she came from could signal the start of a pogrom. A good book to read on the subject is The Popes Against The Jews by David Kertzer.