Holocaust Remembrance Day Statement

As we mark Yom HaShoah, we commemorate the over 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis.

We remember that each life was taken because of intolerance of those who were different.

We remember that each life was taken because of falsehoods spread by political leaders.

We remember that each life was taken because while many citizens and leaders were committed to the truth, too many went along with the propaganda.

We remember that each life was taken because political leaders spread lies as a way to gain and expand their power.

We remember that each life was taken because political leaders benefited from dividing and instilling fear in the people.

We remember that each life was taken because a sick ideology of white supremacy poisoned the minds and hearts of too many.

We remember that even today Jews are being persecuted and acts of anti-Semitism are higher than ever recorded. 

Yet it is not enough to just remember through mental or verbal recollection and acknowledgement.

The Hebrew word for remember--zakar--is often used in the Torah to call to mind the past as a catalyst for positive action. In other words, remembrance requires us not just to think about what happened, but to take constructive steps forward. 

We are called to actively remember by committing ourselves to the truth — that means speaking up when lies are uttered — and we also must actively remember by committing ourselves to tolerance of all people.

May the memories of the 6 million murdered Jews be for a blessing -- A blessing of a more loving, inclusive world.

Thank you for being a part of our efforts at the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama to be a small part of that blessing. 

With gratitude,

Phil Ensler

Executive Director