Marking Holocaust Memorial Day, an Opportunity to Act for a Better Future

Jan. 27, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, recognized internationally as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

I am honored of have had close relationships with several Holocaust survivors, to know them, learn their stories, and see their physical scars. Many have been lucky to live very long lives and are now passing away. Their stories must not be lost with time, silence is not an option.

Holocaust distortion, denial and trivialization — all forms of antisemitism — are on the rise. We must all call it out when you see and hear it. Report all hate crimes to the police, with our State Attorney General’s website full of information https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/hate-crimes-domestic-terrorism-unit.

Use reputable, authoritative sources to learn more about the Holocaust and genocides and share them with others. Among the best resources are: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum https://www.ushmm.org/; Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center https://www.yadvashem.org/index.html; and the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust https://holocaust.georgia.gov/teach/educational-resources.

Many of the recent moves by the current administration to deport immigrants, deny LGBTQ+ people, and demonstrations by actions make me feel like anything can happen. Who will be next on the list? Could something like the Holocaust happen again?

This Holocaust Memorial Day, we have an opportunity to act for a better future, where people are not suffering prejudice or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

Liz Kannon, Chair of the Mason County Democratic Party