South West Illinois News

On January 27, the world commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Holocaust, a state-sponsored persecution and mass murder, claimed the lives of millions of European Jews, Romani people, intellectually disabled, political dissidents, and homosexuals under the German Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945.

German Dictator Adolf Hitler's "final solution," or Holocaust, was carried out during World War II through mass killing centers known as concentration camps. Hitler's obsession with the idea of the superiority of the "pure" German race fueled his pursuit of racial purity and territorial expansion. More than 11 million people, including six million Jews, perished at the hands of the Nazis.

"The atrocities committed against us and our families must never recur to any people," says Aaron Elster, a Holocaust survivor. Elster, along with other survivors, has made it their mission to speak out and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are learned and history does not repeat itself.

The Nazis systematically murdered Jewish people through gas chambers, mass shootings, and by depriving them of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. As World War II neared its end, the Nazis attempted to destroy evidence of the mass killings and concentration camps. However, the extent of their crimes could not be fully covered up or destroyed.

"The Holocaust is a horrendous story that needs to be constantly told so people will not forget about it," emphasizes Judy Kolb, another survivor. Kolb recognizes the importance of remembering and sharing the stories of the Holocaust to prevent its recurrence.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust, is an important institution in ensuring that the memories of those lost and those who survived are honored. The museum teaches universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.

"I think people should learn what occurred so that history doesn't repeat itself. And I think that's the most important part of what we, the survivors, tell our audiences," states Ben Goldwater, a Holocaust survivor. Goldwater emphasizes the importance of educating future generations about the Holocaust to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center provides a platform for over 50 survivors from the Chicagoland area to share their unique stories. Through their testimonies, survivors ensure that the world never forgets the horrors of the Holocaust.

As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, it is essential to remember the lessons learned from this dark chapter in history. The survivors' voices serve as a reminder that the atrocities committed by the Nazis must never be forgotten, and efforts to combat hatred and prejudice must persist.