Today, April 19, 2012, is Yom HaShoah. On this day, people around the world remember the Six Million Jewish people and others that were senselessly murdered by Nazis during World War II. I knew the day was coming in April, but I have to admit that I forgot the exact date until this arrived at our house:
These candles are sent to families to light the evening before Yom HaShoah. We do this to remember the lives lost and promise that we will not allow this to happen again. The color is the same as the yellow star badges that the Nazis made Jews wear during their occupation of Europe.
Of course, simply lighting the candles is not enough. We must make sure that future generations know the truth about the Holocaust. Each day, Holocaust survivors are passing away and with them their personal stories could fade away if we do not make sure to pass them along to our children and generations to come. I know that as my boys get older, TechyDad and I will do our part. We will make sure to read them books on the subject, visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, and make sure that they never forget about the Six Million that lost their lives simply because of their religious choice.
On this Holocaust Remembrance Day when we know more terror is happening in other places this very moment – teach your children about tolerance. Make sure your family learns about other religions, cultures, and people. The more knowledge we have the better we will be able to understand the beauty of differences among us.
