Many years have passed since the destruction of the Second Temple, and today the majority of Israeli society doesn't grieve over that event. These days, it's mostly religious people who fast on Tish'a B'Av. We are at a critical juncture: What will become of Holocaust Remembrance Day? What will the day look like after the last of the Holocaust survivors pass from this world?
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Following the destruction of the Second Temple, the sages of Israel deliberated over the best proper way to mourn an event of this magnitude. Rabbi Yehoshua said: "My children, come and listen to me. It would be wrong not to mourn at all, because the evil decree is executed. To mourn too much is also impossible, because we do not impose on the community a hardship which the majority cannot endure."
The results of a "Pnima" poll, which found that most Israelis expect Holocaust Remembrance Day to lose importance over time, highlight the magnitude of the danger, the power of forgetfulness and repression. Many youngsters today do not feel the day "speaks to them." Their sense of alienation is also generally connected to their attitude toward other matters of national importance.
The memory of the Holocaust isn't just important because it is a moral obligation to the six million victims, but for two central reasons: First, it clearly defines the presence of antisemitism in the world. Let us not think, even for a moment, that the question of Jew-hatred has passed from this world. This isn't enough, however: The memory of the Holocaust is supposed to help us establish the "antithetical kingdom" – a country of compassion, justice, and charity, which extends its hand to refugees; a country whose leaders don't preach hatred of the other. The main importance of this memory is that it is formative, lighting our path forward.
Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and other holidays have stayed with us. Although many Israelis commemorate them in different ways, the vast majority do celebrate them. In my opinion, this is because these holidays became family holidays. Heritage and tradition aren't passed down through rallies and ceremonies. Despite their public importance, heritage and tradition are imbued in the home.
We must not absolve our youth from knowing about the Holocaust and its consequences. Not just for those who have died, and not just to honor and respect the survivors. For you, the youth of Israel, only for your future.
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