Today we remember the victims of the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Hindu Council UK’s Director/Secretary General-Sanjay Jagatia said: “I recall visiting Auschwitz with the former Archbishop of Canterbury-Dr Rowan Williams, Former Chief Rabbi-Sir Jonathan Sacks and other Faith Leaders to see the site of one of the worst mass exterminations carried out against the Jewish people. The experience of the visit shocked and moved me immensely – I pray that something like this will never ever happen again in history…..”
In addition, Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember how important it is not to spread messages of hate, or to exclude people because things like the colour of their skin or what religious beliefs they have. It also reflects on the lessons to be learned bearing in mind the repetition of human tragedies and the continuation of different forms of intolerance and genocides which have occurred in different parts of the world.
Remembering the Holocaust is relevant to the process of eliminating prejudice and discrimination. This is because all of the worst aspects of humanity and injustice are reflected starkly and horrifically in this sad episode of our shared history.
It is not enough though to remember events of the 20th century, we must look to the future and make a commitment to oppose victimisation, racism and genocide. We all have an individual responsibility towards our fellow citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality to act in a way which does not harm others; and to be active citizens and not to stand by while others are being victimised or persecuted.
Short video of our Director/Secretary General-Sanjay Jagatia’s visit to Auschwitz with other Faith Leaders:
Sanjay Jagatia
Director/Secretary General
Hindu Council UK