By: Lily Swidler

The Holocaust was a terrible time in the world’s history. In World War II, 6 million Jewish people died at the hands of Nazis. That 6 million represented one third of the world’s Jewish population at the time. 

The theme for the Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is “be the light in the darkness.” Being the light in the darkness is an affirmation and can be used when facing challenges in life. The “darkness” may be emotional darkness within your life or someone else’s. The “light” may be helping yourself or others become vulnerable and open to receiving help.

There are many different Holocaust memorials around the world; places that people can come and reflect, or for future generations to learn mistakes of the past. There is darkness when a survivor shares his or her story. But the light occurs as his or her face lights up while talking about Shabbat dinner or the time before the war. Survivors, who lived through the pain can teach us the most. 

  In 1999 after lengthily discussion amongst the German government, British Parliament established a central memorial sight in Berlin, Germany. The memorial was then ceremonially opened in 2005. 2711 concrete slabs of different heights were placed to create the memorial. You are able to fully immerse yourself in the spatial structure. The memorial is built on a slope creating a wave-like figure that changes wherever you stand.

The student coalition posted a very moving series of photos on Instagram, to mark International Holocaust Day. These photos, and their corresponding captions, describe the horrors that went on during the Holocaust. The student coalition honored the memory of the victims and hoped to educate others on the importance of the Holocaust Remembrance Day.