For centuries, it has been the rousing cry behind some of the world’s most horrific spasms of authoritarian violence and hatred….and they say the Jews are to blame. Sadly, today this hatred seems to be growing louder in our country (i.e. Texas Synagogue Hostage Takeover, Jan 2022; Shooting at the Tree of Life, Oct 2038; Poway, CA Synagogue Shooting on Passover, April 2019).
Interestingly enough, today I received an Antisemitism Survey from the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center) who have a commitment to justice and human rights. Their goal is to better understand the frequency and attitude of various areas of our country related to this evolving issue. So why so much hate?
According to a site “howstuffworks”: “The common denominator in most acts of hatred is typically fear of different types of people or ideas (i.e. differing race, sexual orientation, religious background or some other criterion).”
“He who loves his brother abides in the light, anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” I John 2:9-10
During a recent Spring Break, 2 busloads of our middle school band students traveled to DC and had a chance to visit the Holocaust Museum…leaving an emotional and memorable imprint on those young minds. Upon entry, these students and adults were given a passport (with picture and birthdate) of a Jewish Holocaust survivor. What an impressive way to really engage visitors…bringing history to life. In addition to this experience, seeing the collection of past Holocaust victims shoes, burned books and pictures of emaciated Jewish prisoners… there could be no denial of this dark part of our world history.
The first Nazi camp liberated by US forces was Ohrdruf. When soldiers of the 4th Armored Division entered the camp, they discovered piles of bodies, some covered with lime, and others partially incinerated. The ghastly nature of their discovery led General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, to visit the camp…
One of the parents shared this statement from Gen Eisenhower’s visit which she felt was very impactful:
“The things I saw defy description. … The visual evidence and the verbal testimony of starvation, cruelty and bestiality were so overpowering as to leave me a bit sick … . I made the visit deliberately, in order to be in a position to give first-hand evidence of these things if ever, in the future, there develops a tendency to charge these allegations merely to “propaganda.” Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 15,1945
This part of WWII was brought into reality for me when I first entered the AF as a nurse while assigned to Wichita Falls, TX. Needing a clock repaired, I met Bill and Jane Galloway…retired Air Force family. Bill entered the Army (when Bill was initially issued a mule) and later served in France during the occupation. He told stories of his battalion and villagers helping thousands of Jews escape capture through many challenging years.
Several years later, Bill and his family returned to this French community during the continued occupation of France. Knowing they enjoyed antiques, many of these appreciative Jews told Bill…Monsieur Galloway…whatever antiques you would like, we will find you. As a result, their mansion-sized house in Wichita Falls was full of priceless European antiques (including over 400 clocks). (Back then there was no restriction on what military families could bring back to the US.)
My second AF assignment was to Biturg, Germany. I was able to visit one of the past Holocaust sites…Dachau…what a heavy/emotional experience…seeing all the shoes left behind, the rooms where the Jews were gassed and the brutal pictures. Due to my German ancestry…I was flooded with many mixed emotions!
And then many years later, I was able to visit the Holocaust Museum as well…I‘m SO thankful all of this has been preserved for us so hopefully this history will not be repeated.
I feel EVERY student and adult in this country should visit this Holocaust Museum as part of their World History education…increasing our compassion for this dark Jewish experience.
In Jewish teachings, tikkun olam implies that while the world is innately good, its Creator purposely left room for us to improve upon His work.
Warriors…may all of our human activities be opportunities to fulfill this mission.
Due to the covid situation thankfully diminishing…I’ll now be including a Spiritual Meditation.
Spiritual Meditation: There is nothing confusing about the truth unless you are trying to hide from it. – Daily Medicine