Wreaths Across America’s Post

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most notorious and heavy guarded concentration camps during the Holocaust. This is a day to reflect on one of the darkest periods in human history- a time of unimaginable suffering, loss and sacrifice. The Holocaust stands as a treatment to the depths of human cruelty, but also to the resilience of those who survived and the bravery of those who fought to bring an end to it. As we honor the liberation of Auschwitz, we remember the countless lives lost, the families torn apart, and the enduring pain of those who lived through such horrors. But we also recognize the profound importance of remembrance. The sanctifies of those who came before us, the history they left behind, and the lesson them imparted should never be forgotten. The liberation of Auschwitz, 80 years ago today, serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the need to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated. Let us commit ourselves to the fight against hatred, intolerance and ignorance. May we always remember, so that the horrors of the past are never allowed to happen again.

Thoughts on Vyshyvanka Day during the war. “Explosions. Terror. Death.” - that’s what the media told you the war was. Even though that may be the case in some territories, the majority of us experience war otherwise. You could say that the war is like a lottery of who gets their life ruined next, and for once I’m thankful to lose a raffle. But even though many teens like me don’t feel the active consequences of the war, the passive ones are as noticeable as ever. The war doesn’t always come rampaging into your life like a wild elephant, it can creep in, as quietly as a mouse. But there’s a reason why elephants are afraid of mice. It can range from hearing another air strike siren as you get ready to go to bed, and thinking that perhaps this will be your last dream; or it can be sitting in your school’s basement, listening in horror to the explosions that will forever ruin your perception of thunderstorms. In a blink of an eye, they’re already broadcasting the 813th day of the war on the news, a horrifying number. Today is Vyshyvanka Day, a meaningful day for Ukrainians. As you walk down the street and see everyone wearing their traditionally embroidered shirts, designs passed down by generations, you can't help but feel the passive consequences of the war looming in your mind. Heritage, our history - that's what vyshyvankas symbolise. At school, you’re taught about the struggling path your ancestors took to guarantee you a peaceful future. 23 years of peace as an independent nation - that’s all they could attain for their hardships before new oppressive attempts arrived. Vyshyvankas have gained a new meaning now, a blazing torch of patriotism and a will to be free. Our ancestors carried it, passed it onto us, and now it's our turn to continue their struggling path and pass the torch onto the future generations until we reach freedom.

Here is the story of a silent winner… who made life changing decisions for many.. do watch the video ..

A burden many struggle to shoulder As a Jew, the Holocaust is a deeply personal and painful part of my history, one that profoundly shapes my identity and worldview. Yet, in recent years, especially since assuming the CEO position at the German Israeli Foundation, I’ve begun to reflect on a painful aspect of this history that I had not fully considered before—the emotional burden carried by Germans, particularly those from later generations, a pain that is often overlooked or unacknowledged. While the Holocaust’s trauma primarily affects its victims, it has also left a lasting and profound impact on German society. For many Germans, especially those born after the war, the pain is not one of direct guilt but of inherited responsibility. They have grown up in a country once at the heart of unimaginable atrocities, where the shadow of the Holocaust looms over their national identity. This historical burden can create a sense of collective shame, making it difficult to reconcile their pride in their country with the horrific actions committed by their ancestors. Germany’s intense focus on remembrance, education, and atonement is an ongoing effort to confront this past and prevent such horrors from ever happening again. However, this process is not without emotional cost. Many Germans struggle to acknowledge the past without feeling defined by it. While the world may recognize Germany’s efforts to come to terms with its history, the emotional toll on individuals—especially from older generations—is often dismissed or misunderstood. As Jews, we feel the pain of the Holocaust in our families, but acknowledging the quiet, often unspoken suffering of the German people can deepen our understanding of this shared history. #pain #guilt #shame #germany #shoah #holocaust #memory #identity #burden #remembrance #history #family

Today, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the extermination camp #Auschwitz, one of the darkest chapters in human history. On this day, when flags in Germany are flown at half-mast at all public buildings and Evonik locations, such as at Marl Chemical Park, we remember the countless victims of the Holocaust. Auschwitz not only represents the unimaginable horror and suffering inflicted upon many, but also the lessons we must learn from it. It serves as a #reminder to uphold and defend the values of #humanity, #tolerance, and #respect for all. In a time when we face discrimination, intolerance, contempt, and exclusion, it is more important than ever that we tirelessly advocate for a respectful and inclusive society. At the same time, we live in an era where the number of Holocaust witnesses is steadily declining. More and more people in Germany have no familial connection to the time of National Socialism and cannot learn firsthand what happened. This development makes it even more crucial that we keep the #memory of the past alive and pass on our knowledge about the Holocaust. Therefore, it is our personal responsibility to preserve the stories of the survivors and ensure that the lessons from this time do not fade into oblivion. In solemn remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust, I encourage each of us to place the values of #humanity at the center of our actions—at work, in our leisure time, and at the ballot box. Let us work together to create a future where we stand for each other with #empathy and #respect. #FollowUsBeyond

🌍 Remembering and Reflecting on International Holocaust Memorial Day 🕯️ For this day of remembrance, we have a book recommendation for our community: When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman. Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl has touched hearts and inspired minds for decades, offering a raw and brilliant glimpse into the human spirit during one of history's darkest times. Now, Alice Hoffman brings a fresh perspective to Anne’s story in a beautifully crafted novel that vividly brings her life, her courage, and her creativity to light. 📖 What makes this book special? ✨ A deeper look at Anne’s world through archival content from the Anne Frank House and Otto Frank’s desperate letters to save his family. ✨ A lyrical, heart-wrenching story that captures Anne’s wisdom, boldness, and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. ✨ A powerful reminder of how one voice can echo across generations. 🕊️ When We Flew Away is a moving testament to the resilience of hope and the importance of remembering the past so we can shape a better future. 💡 Let this story inspire reflection, courage, and a commitment to never forget. Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s honor Anne’s legacy together.

„ Please never forget me“ were the final words of Aron Krell’s brother Zvi , dying in the Lodz ghetto in 1944. - On January 27, 1945 , Auschwitz , the extermination camp, which name practically stands synonymous for the Holocaust , the most evil crime of humanity , was liberated by the Soviet Army. More than 1.1 million people were murdered at the camp during its five years of operation. The Claims Conference launched a social media campaign with 80 survivors providing testimony of the horrors they endured and what they want the coming generations to know and remember. According to the Claims Conference, this will probably be the last year that the organization will be able “to launch a campaign with the participation of people who are still with us and can testify to the horrors that were there.” I have a weird „double whammy „ legacy with my German Hungarian heritage whereas I and my parents, have the „ Gnade der späten Geburt „ ( that misinterpreted sentence by late German Chancellor Kohl of the „ grace of late birth „) and I‘m always adamant that it’s not about wandering around bent with guilt but it’s walking tall knowing history and responsibility. The number of survivors is slowly getting smaller and smaller, they are getting frail and less able to attend remembrance events in person. The more important it is to document their stories and hear their voices. 2024 has been a year where antisemitism has grown exponentially all over the world. We‘re looking at shocking numbers, incidents which we haven’t seen for probably decades from Canada to Australia, the US and practically all over Europe . The horrific 7/10 terror attack on innocent Israeli civilians was like an accelerant for the revival of ages old blood libels, conspiracy theories, propaganda, physical threats and attacks . We must never forget them - not those, who survived and taught us to listen and learn nor those who were murdered and had no possibility to tell their stories. We must be their voices now and for the future , passing on the torch to the next generations . Silence is not an option. לזכור אותי! Please watch the testimonies on https://lnkd.in/dVBm4s-2 #rememberthis #ISurvivedAuschwitz #rememberme https://lnkd.in/dFvruzmW

Today, on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Holocaust Memorial Day, we solemnly remember the unimaginable tragedy of the Nazi genocide, which claimed the lives of six million Jews and countless others. This day stands as a stark reminder of humanity's darkest chapter and a call to action against the persistence of antisemitism and all forms of racism in our world today. As we honor the memory of those who suffered and perished, let us also reflect on our individual and collective responsibility. What can each of us do to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society? How can we actively combat prejudice and support the Jewish community? This day is not only about remembrance—it is about inspiring change and action. Together, we must commit to a future where hatred and discrimination hold no place. May the memory of the Holocaust's victims fuel our resolve to build a world defined by respect, understanding, and unity. Never again.

The United Nations General Assembly designated Jan. 27 — the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau — as #InternationalHolocaustRemembranceDay, a time to remember the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. We are witnessing an alarming rise of antisemitism and hatred around the globe and in the United States. Please take time today to truly think about one of the darkest periods in human history. The pain and suffering that hatred causes is evident. Hatred shapes the course of our daily lives and reverberates through the generations that follow us. Many in power stoke hatred among those with less power to keep us divided. Together we can push back against the narratives of difference and division, and we must begin by remembering the past so we do not repeat it. Thank you for joining us in building a future where love, compassion, and kindness drive out hatred, resentment, and cruelty. References: DoSomething.org United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

80 Years Since Liberation: Remembering Auschwitz-Birkenau Today, on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I pause to remember the millions of innocent lives lost to hate. Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a chilling testament to the depths of human cruelty. This day compels us to: * Honour their sacrifice: Let us never forget the victims and their families. * Stand united against hatred: As Elie Wiesel poignantly stated, "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference." We must actively combat all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance. * Learn from history: The horrors of the Holocaust serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred and the importance of upholding human rights and dignity for all. To the survivors of this unimaginable trauma, I offer my deepest respect and solidarity. Your strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity serve as an inspiration to us all. As someone who believes in a world where every individual is valued and respected, I am committed to being a voice for the unheard and working towards a society where everyone can be who they want to be, free from fear and discrimination. #Auschwitz #HolocaustMemorialDay #NeverForget #ElieWiesel