Reflection

Random thoughts from Germany (thus far)

I never knew the difference between the word Holocaust and Shoah.  In fact, I’ve used them interchangeably many times.  However, one of the reoccurring themes of this trip has been the definition of the word Holocaust and the controversy behind it.  I never knew this word was controversial…and for those that are reading this (there are people reading this, right?!?!), I will give some examples.  The Shoah refers only to the Jews being persecuted while Holocaust refers to all groups, including homosexuals, Sinti/Roma (gypsies), the disabled, etc.

When we heard from one of the speakers yesterday, who sits on an international Holocaust education task force, we quickly realized that the word Holocaust still does not have a defined meaning, which is in my opinion shameful.  Basically, the international community does not educate on all the different groups that were discriminated against and the task force tries not to define the word Holocaust because of the backlash that it may cause.  Backlash you ask?  Of stating the truth?  Of explaining history and how it happened?  Why are we now able to define it for the Jews but are finding it difficult to explain what happened to others?  In doing so, are we ourselves becoming “denyers?” I will leave these questions unanswered as from reading this you can already understand my opinion.  However, I’m finding it hard to grasp and the only thing that continues to permeate with me are the fine words of the wise Rabbi Hillel…”If I am not for others, who will be for me?” (or something like that…dammit it’s getting late here)