Support for Holocaust victims should overcome denial, indifference

Though Holocaust Remembrance Day was Jan. 27, there still is an increasing trend of Holocaust denial and indifference toward the historical tragedy.

How is something as earth shattering as genocide so easily dismissed not even a century later?

Denial and indifference tells Holocaust victims and their families that the way they were affected, whether it be their suffering in a concentration camp or the loss of a loved one, is invalid and unimportant.

We, the Editorial Staff of The East Carolinian, believe that more should be done to demonstrate support for Holocaust survivors and those affected by such a devastating event and shattering part of history.

The East Carolina University School of Music (SoM) did its part in bringing recognition to the tragedy with their Holocaust Remembrance Day event. Using music and poetry written by those affected by the Holocaust in the event not only raised awareness, but served as a way to honor the Jewish people whose culture was completely altered by the tragedy.

The rising trend of Holocaust denial should not be taken lightly. There are people whose lives were completely altered by the events. Staying quiet and turning a blind eye rather than showing support to the victims or outwardly contributing to events like the SoM’s Remembrance Day event, is no better than denying it all together.

The tragedy of the Holocaust is not something that should be forgotten, ignored or pushed aside as if it did not happen. Instead, it is something that should be remembered and its victims honored in a way that shows recognition for their suffering.