Frontlines

The Holocaust can never be spoken about enough. The industrial mass murder of six million Jews in a supposedly advanced civilization is unconscionable, reprehensible, and unforgivable. But amidst the torture, torment, and terror were sparks of light and profound humanity that inspire and transform even today. One such effort that saved tens of thousands of Jews was the Vaad Hatzalah, led by Irving Bunim of blessed memory and Rabbi Aharon Kotler of blessed memory.

When COVID struck the United States, I thought it would be a unifying force. I naively reasoned that the pandemic would bring people together. I believed that the bitter polarization that began with the crash of the Stock Market in 2007-2008 would finally end. I was wrong. COVID has caused a further rupture in society. It has brought health care workers closer but few others.

Acts Of Heroism And Compassion, And Lessons From The Holocaust

The Holocaust continues to be a focus of celebrities and pundits alike. Memories of the masses is very short. Although memory begins around age two and a half, context information for non-emotional events and news stories was at a chance level at two months in adults. This is not a good starting point if one is trying to re-educate Americans about the Holocaust. Given that attention spans are down from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to 8 seconds now, the chance of sustaining a lasting memory is further reduced. Social media has been the main driving force decreasing attention spans. Humans now have attention spans below that of goldfish. There is only one answer, and that is to keep the drumbeat alive. Everyone has to do his or her part. The survivors are trying, but unfortunately their numbers are dwindling.

The antisemitic terrorist hostage-taking ordeal that occurred in Colleyville, Texas, brought to the surface once again bitter memories of the Holocaust. Jews were singled out simply because they were Jews. Antisemitism raised its ugly head again for all to see.

Whoopi Goldberg said that “the Holocaust isn’t about race” during a discussion on “The View” about a Tennessee school board’s banning of the book Maus, written by a Holocaust survivor. Whoopi could not be more wrong. Unfortunately, she is another example of how important education about the Holocaust is more relevant today than at any other time. With social media spewing misinformation about the Holocaust, it is even more urgent and necessary.

The Jews have always been a lightning rod for the world’s ills, perceived or otherwise. The more antisemitic acts multiply, the more politicians should be concerned about their ability to govern. Terrorism abounds when society weakens.