Holocaust Memorial Day

Education — By admin on January 26, 2011 11:06 pm

The Holocaust Memorial Day is held on the 27th January each year. It remembers those who were targeted for who they were and died as a consequence. It also recognises the courageous men and women who defied the Nazis and helped save the lives of many. The lucky ones survived by hiding, fleeing and escaping by whatever means available.

In 1939, the Second World War began. However, this was a war that brought with it one of the most horrific genocides that the world has ever seen. The Nazis branded the Jews, Romani, Homosexuals, the mentally and physically disabled, Eastern Europeans and the Slav as different and inferior to their idea of a perfect race. This led to their persecution and eventual death.

In 1933 there were around 9 million Jews in Europe. By the end of the war there 3 million left. Together with another 400,000 people of different races, they were killed in concentration camps. 5 million more non- Jewish Poles, Russians and labour camp workers were killed as well.

Hanneke Dye was born in 1943, the daughter of Jewish parents in Nazi- occupied Holland. She was separated from her parents shortly after her birth and only survived by being hidden by a number of brave people. She even had her hair died blonde to look more Germanic.

Hanneke, who lives in Yorkshire, visited Lincoln to give a talk to schoolchildren and I had the honour of filming her interview. She told us, “God smiled on me and fortunately I am here today.”

Being Jewish myself and whose Grandmother escaped the Nazis on a fishing boat, the Holocaust is close to my own heart. The stories of survivors like Hanneke Dye must inspire us, the younger generation, to learn the lessons of history and stop future genocides.

During the interview Hanneke also reminded us about some words from Barack Obama’s inaugural speech. In response to the concept of ending wars, she says ‘Yes we can……’

Listen to part of our our interview for Siren FM Holocaust Part 1 Holocaust Part 2