Essex history professor advocates for a change in Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration
Professor Rainer Schulze says we should fill the day with "life" rather than "ritual"
Across Essex, people are observing Holocaust Memorial Day; a solemn occasion serving as a stark reminder of one of humanity's darkest chapters.
Holocaust Memorial Day, marked annually on January 27th, not only pays tribute to the victims but also serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
Designated to honour the millions who perished during the Holocaust, this annual commemoration reaffirms the collective commitment to remember, reflect, and learn from the atrocities of the past.
As time distances us from the horrors of the Holocaust and the number of survivors diminishes, the imperative to preserve their stories and ensure the lessons of history endure becomes increasingly vital.
In an interview ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, Professor Rainer Schulze, Emeritus of Modern History and Human Rights at the University of Essex, provides profound insights into the significance of this day of remembrance.
Schulze, a distinguished scholar with extensive expertise in Holocaust studies, emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere commemoration to actively engage with the lessons of the past.
"It is important to remember those who perish, no doubt whatsoever. That's what we owe them, that we remember their names, and as much of their fate as we can from the records that are available," Schulze asserts. "But I think that is not enough because if we just remember, then we historicize the event, meaning we put it back into history as if it's something that doesn't really concern us."
Professor Schulze underscores the need to transcend ritualistic remembrance and instead actively connect the past with the present to effect meaningful change.
"We go through rituals of remembering rather than connecting it to the world we live in today," he explains. "That for me is the main purpose of Holocaust Memorial Day: that we link the events of the past with the world we live in today and try in very little steps, obviously to perhaps build a better world in the future."
Professor Schulze also reflected on the evolving nature of Holocaust commemoration in the face of diminishing survivor testimonies; acknowledging the need to adapt commemorative practices to ensure the enduring relevance of Holocaust Memorial Day in contemporary society.
"I actually think this gives us a chance to change the rituals because in the past, both Holocaust education more generally and Holocaust Memorial days more specifically have of course relied on the authenticity of Holocaust survivors speaking to us," Schulze notes. "With fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors still alive, we really need to rethink what we are doing."
Schulze proposes a shift towards examining prevailing societal attitudes and prejudices, identifying contemporary groups facing discrimination, and addressing the root causes of bias. Drawing from the words of Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer, Schulze warns against complacency, highlighting the universal lessons of the Holocaust and the ongoing threat of history repeating itself.
In advocating for a more dynamic approach to Holocaust Memorial Day, Schulze urges a departure from static rituals towards a more engaging and introspective commemoration. He emphasizes the role of each individual in confronting biases and fostering inclusivity, rejecting bystander apathy in favour of thoughtful reflection and meaningful action.