Never Again: Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day at Work
Ever wonder why January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day? What happened on that day, and why are we recognizing it globally?
Tune in to today’s episode to learn:
What the Holocaust was
Why it is important to remember the Holocaust
Why International Holocaust Remembrance Day was designated by the United Nations
When to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day
How to support your Jewish colleagues and commemorate the day at work
Click “play” on the YouTube video below to listen to the episode. Or keep scrolling to read the article
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Article
The Holocaust was one of the greatest atrocities ever committed. History.com notes that it was “the state-sponsored persecution and mass murder of millions of European Jews, Romani people, the intellectually disabled, political dissidents and homosexuals by the German Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945.”
Adolf Hitler, a dictator who ruled the Nazis, wanted to purify Germany and rid it of anyone who was non-Aryan. Under his regime, Jews became targets for stigmatization and persecution for many years before their inhumane extermination in mass killing centres known as concentration camps. They used gas and pesticides from pest control firms for their genocide.
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the Nazi camps. In January 1945, with the Soviet army approaching, Nazi officials ordered the camp abandoned and the remnants of hundreds of thousands of people were left behind. It is now known as the largest mass murder site in history.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day occurs annually on January 27th to commemorate the day in 1945, when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated. The day was designated as a Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust. Each year, people all over the world remember the victims of the Holocaust and, along with Jewish people, reflect on the dangers of anti-Semitism, or hatred toward or discrimination against Jews. We all say, never again.
The day is commemorated annually at the United Nations and employers should look to commemoration guidelines on the UN website to learn about the theme each year. From there, ensure your workplace’s activities align with that theme. For example, you could host lectures or presentations in alignment with the year’s theme. Films and documentaries on the Holocaust could be displayed during lunch and learn sessions.
If you have a spiritual care advisor, you may engage with them to have a candle-lighting ceremony while reading some of the names of victims of the Nazi regime. You could even bring in a local Rabbi to do this.
Ultimately, organizations should be making public statements that give their team members comfort that their organization will not support religious intolerance harassment or violence against people based on ethnic origin or religious belief.
We should reflect on the dangers of antisemitism particularly on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27th, each year. We should listen to stories of survivors and their families and reflect on the root causes of this atrocity so that it never happens again.
Resources Relied Upon:
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/the-holocaust
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/the-holocaust#nazi-revolution-in-germany-1933-1939
About Janelle Benjamin: Janelle Benjamin, B.A., J.D., is the Founder & Chief Equity Officer of All Things Equitable Inc. helping employers make workplaces more diverse, inclusive, and safe for equity-seeking groups. Learn more about Janelle and how she can help you!
