Almost half of the Israeli public (47%) is worried that another Holocaust will befall the Jewish people, according to a poll conducted by the "Pnima" movement on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Wednesday, April 27.
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The poll sought to address sensitive questions about preserving the memory of the Holocaust and Israeli society's existential anxiety – rooted, among other things, in fears of another Holocaust. Also adding to these concerns, it appears, are Iran's threats to destroy Israel and the Islamic republic's nuclear project.
According to the poll, women are more fearful (55%) compared to men (42%), while youngsters are also more fearful: 24% of Israelis 24 years old and younger said they are very concerned about a second Holocaust, as opposed to 12% of Israelis over the age of 45. Additionally, 23% of those questioned who defined themselves as ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) said they were very fearful of a second Holocaust, compared to 11% among secular Israelis.
Meanwhile, the poll also showed that a majority of Israelis expect the manner in which Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed to change over time. Asked how it will be observed in 30 years, 45% of those questioned said it would erode and only include ceremonies; while 13% of Israelis believe the character of the day will have changed completely and will be just a regular day. On the other hand, 16% said Holocaust Remembrance Day will be observed even more intensely and carry even more significance, while 26% said the day would remain exactly the same. In this context, it should be noted that younger Israelis predict a disconcerting future, with 21% of Israelis in the 35-45 age range saying Holocaust Remembrance Day will disappear altogether, as opposed to 12% of those aged 65 and older who said the same.
As of January 2021, some 165,800 Holocaust survivors were living in Israel, 90% of them 80 years old and above. Every day, an average of 42 Holocaust survivors pass away; and in the future challenge of telling their stories will be even greater.
The poll also found that 56% of Israelis believe the public should be exposed to recorded testimonies of survivors so that Holocaust Remembrance Day remains relevant, and 29% said the country needs to subsidize trips to former Nazi concentration and death camps for every Israeli. Additionally, 19% of Israelis believe it is inevitable that the day will become less important over time.
Meanwhile, 62% of the people questioned in the survey said they very much support the practice of blacking out entertainment and sports channels on Holocaust Remembrance Day, and 11% said they were opposed.
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