Holocaust Remembrance Day is honored on Jan. 27. It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and also serves as a day of remembrance of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other peoples who fell victim to Nazi prosecution.
To honor this day, it is customary to read the names of the victims and light candles for them, as well as educate oneself on the horrific genocide that was the Holocaust. This day is an extremely significant holiday because it reminds the world to never forget the Holocaust and vow to never again let it happen.
Skokie has a rich history with the Jewish people and the Holocaust, as many Holocaust survivors settled here after World War Two. In fact, in 1977, Neo-Nazis attempted to march in Skokie. With Skokie’s large population of Holocaust survivors, it’s no coincidence that the town was a target.
Because of Skokie’s history, many students at Niles North have families who are Holocaust survivors. Junior Eva Spiro’s grandfather was a survivor. Spiro reflects on how she honors this day.
“On the one side, we grieve the loss of life in our family, yet on the other side, we remember my grandpa,” Spiro said. “My grandfather was a strong man. He was kind and compassionate. Through the trauma and pain, he created a family. I will never stop admiring my Grandpa Henry for that.”
On Oct. 7, the terrorist group Hamas massacred around 1,200 Jews. This was the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The American Defamation League (ADL) has recorded a 388% increase in antisemitism since the Oct. 7 massacre. Needless to say, Holocaust Remembrance Day rings differently to Jews this year.
With an increase in antisemitism comes an increase in Holocaust denial. Holocaust Remembrance Day forces our community and our world to remember the atrocities of the holocaust. Yes, this day may force us to sit in an uncomfortable and depressing place. But in order to prevent future atrocities from happening, we must remember and learn from past ones.
