Lest we forget

January 27, 2002 10:50 AM

Lest we forget...
posted by tomcosgrave (11 comments total)

oh my! thank you for the reminder.
posted by mcsweetie at 11:41 AM on January 27, 2002

Not only had I forgotten, I didn't even know the UK had a Holocaust day. Thanks.
Today/tomorrow is Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees when we Jews celebrate, among other things, by eating a new fruit. Mazal tov!
posted by MiguelCardoso at 11:44 AM on January 27, 2002

as if they will ever let us forget. as if!
posted by billybob at 11:57 AM on January 27, 2002

It ain't Holocaust day here! So ha! I'm not even going to TRY to remember!
posted by geoff. at 1:10 PM on January 27, 2002

Is there any particular reason why the UK observes this in January rather than in the spring when most of the rest of the world does (on Yom Hashoah, this year on Tuesday April 9th)?
posted by judith at 2:53 PM on January 27, 2002

billybob, do you want to forget? (not a snark, an honest question)
posted by rodii at 3:27 PM on January 27, 2002

January 27th is the day that Auschwitz was liberated by the Russians. Also, I think Yom Hashoah is a Jewish commemoration, and the UK (and Italy) wanted an event outside of the Jewish calendar - but I could be wrong.

This is the second year of the memorial. It's also not just being used to commemorate the Holocaust, but to highlight racism and its injustices.

Ireland, as usual, isn't doing anything. With an ever increasing racial issue here, you'd think the government would make the effort...

And as for Billybob and Geoff - something you want to say?
posted by tomcosgrave at 4:21 PM on January 27, 2002

In Oxford we had a 24 hour vigil outside the Bodleian library, where we read out the names of those who died during the Holocaust, culminating in a multi-faith memorial service this evening - it was part of a national student plan for remembrance, as the NUS co-ordinated information for student unions to organise their own events. Whilst Oxford J-Soc was heavily involved, the idea was that it should be all-encompassing - supporting the idea that it is a day separate from Yom Hashoah, and of course, remembering the liberation of Auschwitz.
posted by kitschbitch at 5:51 PM on January 27, 2002

geoff: it is possible to treat the holucaust in a humorous manner, the only prerequisite is being humorous.

billybob: after visiting the Holocaust Museum a relative disparaged the entire concept as being a dangerous "how to" for future would-be genocide perpetrators. I countered (enthusiatically) that I, for one, totally appreciate the structure of the exhibits because it lays out in brilliant fashion what it takes to soothe an entire otherwise civilzed, educated society into ushering millions into a crematorium. The early days of the the Nazi regime are a chilling reminder of how small the steps are on the way to industrialized mass murder.

If you subscribe to the notion those who study history are doomed to repeat adages from Santayana then you are in famous (if anit-sematic) company.
posted by victors at 7:12 PM on January 27, 2002

It is easy to forget -- or simply to ignore. Near my home, there's a building in which people were rendered into soap not so many years ago. There's a small plaque on the side wall, but it's a neat, white building, and in December there's a string of colorful Christmas lights along the top; I suppose it's just a pharmacy to most people here now.
posted by pracowity at 2:28 AM on January 28, 2002

those who study history are doomed to repeat adages from Santayana

First nose-splurge in a long time. Cheers, victors. Oh, and I agree entirely - it just sounds unconvincing because I'm still mopping up and smiling.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 6:53 AM on January 28, 2002