Holocaust: 75th anniversary of its end
By Alexander Valdes | Published by March 22, 2020
Things such as the Holocaust are moments in human history that one should never forget. Recently, the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust coming to an end had passed by, an event no doubt that marked a turning point in history as the end to a mass genocide of innocent people, mass extermination for their beliefs and heritage. Sarah Coykendall from the Holocaust Resource Center recently had an opportunity to talk about the subject matter of the Holocaust and its importance within our society and educational systems.
“Plaque commemorating the end of the Holocaust in the HRC.” Photo courtesy of Sarah Coykendall
“We absolutely encourage students to do research on the Holocaust. As Holocaust survivors age, their ability to share their experiences with others decreases, it is a sad reality that this generation will one day live in a world without Holocaust survivors,” Coykendall said. “When that day arrives, it will not signify an end to Holocaust education, but rather enhance the need to teach others about the Holocaust to ensure the memory of survivors and victims remain in our historical consciousness.”
Coykendall went on to openly invite students to visit the Holocaust Resource Center to obtain print and video resources on the Holocaust and choose from an array of Holocaust memoirs.
“In doing this research, students will make certain that Holocaust survivors, victims, and their families are honored through a collective understanding that the Holocaust was not inevitable and that the ramifications of human action or inaction will be remembered for generations to come in hopes of preventing further acts of targeted hatred,” said Coykendall.
Indeed, with knowledge being passed on to newer generations, it seems unlikely that humanity will ever forget.
“Wired art structure of a Holocaust prisoner.” Photo courtesy of Sarah Coykendall
“Prejudice against Jews, also known as antisemitism, has existed in various forms for more than three thousand years and continues today,” said Coykendall. “As antisemitic instances are on the rise not only in New Jersey but in the United States and around the world, there are ways to combat this hatred. The Holocaust Resource Center, in partnership with the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, held a Stand Up for the Other forum on antisemitism and hate, which addressed ways for people of all backgrounds to come together to fight against this hatred.”
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