Remembering, Reconciling, Taking a Stand

Remembering

We honor the Holocaust survivors and let their voices be heard and their story told. It is important in this time when, even in the face of the overwhelming documentation by the Nazis themselves of the reality of the Holocaust, there are so many who deny that the Holocaust even happened or claim that the reports were exaggerated. This is occurring not only in countries where there is a political agenda to do so, but in the U.S. as well. The purpose of the march is to educate a generation that is many times unaware of the reality of the horrors of the Holocaust — not only of the facts of what happened during that time, but also of the attitudes and incendiary propaganda that preceded it, which conditioned a nation of people to stand by and be silent while the atrocities were being committed. We remember — not only those who were lost in the Holocaust, but also those who fought for freedom: the upstanders who risked their lives for the victims; the soldiers who fought and sacrificed in World War II; and the leaders who spoke out.

Reconciling

We provide opportunity for participants to acknowledge the atrocities of the Holocaust and process the consequences of remaining silent in the face of persecution, prejudice, and indifference. Descendants of perpetrators, as well as bystanders, have a chance to express their remorse to survivors, their descendants, and the Jewish community. Survivors and their families have the opportunity to tell their stories and sensitize Christians to the issues of the Holocaust.

Taking a Stand

The March is a time of active learning. Participants hear the first-hand experiences of those who lived through the horrors. It is not just reading a story in a book, but rather understanding the reality of what happened. The march engages people and invites them to take action by walking with a purpose. In the ongoing dynamic between a person’s thoughts, attitudes, and actions, participating in a March against modern-day anti-Semitism makes a strong statement.