God of compassion and healing,
Today Jews around the world are observing Yom haShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. On this day we not only mourn and remember those who were murdered, those who were forced to flee and those who fought, but we also remind ourselves of the importance of remaining vigilant against hatred and prejudice in our day and age as well.
The noted author and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel responded to the Holocaust by vowing “never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.” He said “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
On this day we remember that we all have an obligation to take sides between good and evil, right and wrong. We all have an obligation to speak out against suffering and humiliation. Because with remembrance comes the obligation to do more than to simply remember, we must also pursue righteous action.
We pray to the Holy One of Blessing, the Creator of all humanity, to open our hearts to all of our brothers and sisters. May we not be so blinded by our differences that we fail to remember that all humanity is created in the Divine Image. May this be God’s will.-AMEN.
