Remembering Auschwitz: A Call for Vigilance in the Current Political Climate

I have said before that I am a fan of history! Especially US history around the Civil War and World War 2. I often have important but perhaps obscure dates noted in my calendar, as well as dates we history-buffs just remember. Today is one of those days!

Each year, we pause on January 27th to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This solemn anniversary marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, in 1945. It is a day to honor the memory of six million Jews and millions of other victims—including Romani people, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents—who perished under the Nazi regime.

I have very distinct memories of studying the holocaust in High School. Later of visiting the US Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and the raw emotions I felt as I made my way through. These emotions we even greater as I visited Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, Israel.  My feelings were made even more real as one of my friends broke down. As I listened and comforted, I learned her children are half Jewish and the horror came rushing upon her in a way she didn’t expect. I believe that today, on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of this horror, of Auschwitz and other extermination camps, it is imperative to reflect on how its lessons resonate in our current political and social climate.

The Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers or ghettos; it began with words—rhetoric that dehumanized, scapegoated, and sowed division. Today, in the United States and across the globe, we are witnessing a troubling resurgence of political extremism, antisemitism, and hate-fueled ideologies. As survivors of the Holocaust age and pass on, the responsibility to remember and act falls increasingly on younger generations. The anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation serves as a critical reminder of the perils of complacency in the face of hatred.

Recent years have seen a marked increase in hate crimes and extremist ideologies. In the United States, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, including physical assaults, vandalism, and online harassment. White supremacist groups have grown more vocal, using social media and public platforms to spread their toxic messages.

This resurgence is not limited to antisemitism. Racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry are becoming more visible and normalized in certain segments of society. Public figures and political leaders have at times amplified these sentiments, whether through rhetoric that demonizes immigrants or policies that marginalize vulnerable groups. History teaches us that such normalization is a dangerous precursor to systemic oppression and violence.

The United States is also grappling with unprecedented levels of political polarization. Divisive rhetoric has created an “us vs. them” mentality, fostering an environment where empathy is diminished, and dialogue is replaced by hostility. This polarization erodes the democratic fabric of the nation and creates fertile ground for extremism.

The Holocaust did not occur in a vacuum; it was the result of years of political instability, economic hardship, and societal divisions that were exploited by those in power. The United States, while vastly different in context, is not immune to the same vulnerabilities. When fear and division dominate political discourse, the risk of dehumanization and scapegoating grows.

One of the most effective ways to counter hate is through education. Studies show that teaching young people about the Holocaust and other genocides fosters empathy and critical thinking while reducing prejudicial attitudes. Yet Holocaust education in the U.S. is inconsistent. A 2020 survey by the Claims Conference revealed that nearly two-thirds of American Millennials and Gen Z respondents did not know that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, and 11% believed Jews caused the Holocaust. News story from NBC can be found here

This lack of knowledge is alarming, particularly as Holocaust denial and distortion gain traction. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive education that not only recounts the historical facts but also explores the social and political conditions that made the Holocaust possible.

Amid the darkness, there are reasons for hope. Grassroots organizations, interfaith coalitions, and advocacy groups are working tirelessly to combat hate and foster inclusivity. Holocaust survivors and their descendants continue to share their stories, ensuring that the memories of Auschwitz and other atrocities are not forgotten.

I have mentioned many times in my sermons Since the November Election Brené Brown, a scholar of vulnerability and courage, of whom I am a HUGE FAN who speaks of “micro-dosing hope” as a way to sustain resilience in challenging times. Small, intentional acts—like standing up to bigotry, supporting marginalized communities, or simply listening to others’ experiences—can collectively create significant change. These actions are our antidote to despair and our way of honoring those who perished at Auschwitz.

In each of my sermons I like to include a A Call to Action and blog post will be no different! Because I believe it is important to ask, what can I do?

The anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. We must confront the hatred and division in our midst with courage and compassion. This requires more than symbolic gestures; it demands sustained effort to build a society rooted in equity, empathy, and justice.

Here are some tangible steps we can take:

1. Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about the Holocaust and other genocides, and share that knowledge with others. Support initiatives that promote Holocaust education in schools and communities.

2. Challenge Hate Speech: Speak out against antisemitism, racism, and other forms of bigotry when you encounter them, whether online or in person.

3. Engage in Dialogue: Seek conversations with those who hold different political or social views. While challenging, such dialogues can bridge divides and foster understanding.

4. Support Marginalized Communities: Stand in solidarity with those who are targeted by hate. Advocate for policies that protect vulnerable groups and promote inclusivity.

5. Remember the Survivors and the Marginalized: Listen to the stories of Holocaust survivors. Listen to those on the margins. Hear their fear and concerns and amplify their voices. Their testimonies are powerful reminders of what is at stake.

The liberation of Auschwitz was a moment of hope amid unimaginable horror. It reminds us of humanity’s capacity for resilience and renewal, even in the face of evil. But it also warns us of the dangers of apathy and division.

Commit yourself to standing against hatred in all its forms.  So that the lessons of Auschwitz are not relegated to history books but serve as a guide for our actions today. In the words of Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”