The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Forest Town held a poignant event on January 29, to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the millions of Jews who were murdered during World War II by Nazi Germany.
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The event, which paid tribute to those lost in the holocaust, included a moving candle-lighting ceremony. Holocaust survivors and their families lit candles in solemn remembrance, followed by a moment of silence to honour the lives taken. The ceremony was complemented by a touching musical performance by Dr Sharon De Kock, which added to the atmosphere of reflection and reverence.
Professor Shirli Gilbert delivered the keynote address, which explored the experiences of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Her lecture: Jewish Refugees from Nazism in Africa, shed light on the often-overlooked stories of Jewish refugees who sought safety in sub-Saharan Africa. Gilbert’s research illuminated the struggles and resilience of these displaced individuals, offering a powerful reminder of the global impact of the holocaust.
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In addition to remembering the atrocities of World War II, the event also honoured the memory of those lost in other genocides, including the 1994 Rwandan Civil War between the Hutus and Tutsis. Tali Nates, CEO of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, poignantly remarked on the continuing suffering in conflict zones, highlighting the ongoing tragedies in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. “As we commemorate the past, we must also acknowledge the present, where countless lives continue to be lost due to violence and hatred,” Nates said.
The commemoration served as a reminder of the importance of remembering history and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten, or repeated.
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