by Michaela Abenson
Growing up as a Jew, I was exposed to the painful lessons of history, particularly the Holocaust and the atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II. The Holocaust was a stark reminder that the Nazi agenda wasn’t solely directed against the Jewish people; it was an assault on anyone who was perceived as different, and the Nazis had no tolerance for those who didn’t share their abhorrent beliefs.
As a young girl, I often found myself wondering how something as horrific as the Holocaust could happen. How could humans, who are capable of such compassion and kindness, act so inhumanely towards their fellow beings? I also questioned why the Jewish people didn’t leave if they knew they weren’t safe. The Holocaust didn’t unfold overnight, and there must have been warning signs. Did the Jewish people not have the time or opportunity to escape?
When Hitler rose to power, many families, both Jewish and non-Jewish, fled from Germany, seeking refuge in other countries. Sadly, not all were able to escape. Some families chose to remain in Germany, perhaps thinking they had more time or underestimating how dire the situation would become. I never fully understood why they stayed, but as we reflect on history 75 years later, it forces us to examine whether history is repeating itself.
Recent events have shaken us to the core. The last few weeks have been a harsh reminder that history may be repeating itself. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and as Jews, we no longer feel safe in the West. With anti-Semitism rising around the world due to the awful situation in Israel, Jewish people aren’t safe. There have been numerous terror attacks and attacks of anti-Semitism. Extra security measures have been implemented in our synagogues, schools, and neighbourhoods, but the truth is this security isn’t enough in comparison to the amount of enemies we have. The only real protection we have as Jewish people is the IDF. In light of these unsettling developments, we are faced with a profound question: is it time for Jewish people to consider returning to our homeland, Israel, where the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) can provide us with protection?
Moreover, the Jewish people are heartbroken over the massacre that took place in our homeland, and we are scared right now. Not just in Israel but on the streets around the world. The streets of our hometowns, the local shops, the parks – nowhere is quite so safe anymore. The lessons from the Holocaust are both haunting and instructive. The painful memories of that dark period in history remind us of the dangers of complacency and the importance of vigilance in the face of rising hatred and prejudice. The events of the past weeks emphasize that history is indeed repeating itself, and the safety of Jewish people in the West is increasingly uncertain.
The time may have come for us to seriously consider our place in the world and whether a return to our homeland, Israel, is not just an option but a necessity for our security and well-being. The lessons of history compel us to reflect on our present circumstances and make decisions that ensure the safety and future of Jewish generations. We’ve spent 75 years saying “never again,” but never again seems to be now.
