Motorists Pausing for Holocaust Remembrance in Israel
In a matter of a few years several decades ago I visited Israel three times and figured I'd return. Sadly, the ongoing conflicts within the country and resulting danger meant that I wasn't willing to take groups there. I went only once in April, which like Canada is Springtime. The wildflowers were astonishing, not at all what I expected in a supposedly arid land. We also happened to be there for Holocaust Remembrance Day and at the designated time for silence our touring coach pulled to the side of the road along with all the other vehicles on the highway. Here is a description of yesterday's event in The Times of Israel:
Israel came to a standstill at 10 a.m. on Thursday as sirens wailed throughout the country in memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II.
The annual Holocaust Remembrance Day is one of the most solemn days on Israel’s national calendar, with much of the country all but shutting down for those two minutes to honor those who suffered under the Nazi killing machine.
The siren halts Israeli outdoor life — pedestrians stand in place, buses stop on busy streets and cars pull over on major highways, with drivers standing on the roads with their heads bowed. The siren also heralds the start of the main daytime ceremonies for the somber day that began the night before with an official opening event at the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem.
Ceremonies are also held in schools, public institutions, and army bases. At 11 a.m. the “Unto Every Person There is a Name” ceremony begins at the Knesset, an official annual event during which lawmakers read out the names of Holocaust victims.
During each of our tours we visited Yad Vashem which was so moving, so solemn. I am aware that through the centuries Jews have been shunned, harassed, persecuted, and murdered as "the other", sometimes by Christians who've made false claims that they are the murderers of Jesus, along with many conspiracy theories. We heard this week that anti-Jewish vandalism and agression, including physical attacks, have been on the rise in Canada during the past few years. Hatried is rarely rational and the internet is a breeding ground for falsehood.
I wish I'd taken a few moments to stop and remember yesterday but I didn't become aware until later in the day. I suppose this blog entry is a way of paying my respects and renewing my commitment to a just and safe society.
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