A Student Blog written by Emily Mocton, a member of the Jewish Society
As we approach Holocaust Memorial Day, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that this day holds for me as a Jewish student on campus. It is a sombre occasion that serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities, the death of six million Jewish lives, committed during one of the darkest periods in human history.
January 27th marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. I was able to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau during a trip looking back into my heritage (See picture I took above). There, I heard from a woman deemed “Righteous Amongst the Nations;” A term used to describe those who risked their lives to hide the persecuted. My prior expectations included an image of an angel, an extraordinary being or perhaps a human superhero. Yet, in fact, I was shocked to learn about a mundane woman with an incredible will to stand against hatred, discrimination, and prejudice in all its forms.
Holocaust Memorial Day challenges us to confront the inhumane past, yet it also forces us to echo the message of, “Never Again.” By remembering the victims, the survivors, and those who risked the lives for the good, we learn to actively oppose discrimination, and fight against any hatred or intolerance.
If you have experienced any form of discrimination whilst being at university, or know anyone who has, the Students’ Union encourages you to speak out and contact our support services here.
Jewish Society (JSOC) provides Jewish students a safe space to get together, make new friends in an inclusive environment. To hear more about our events please follow us @jsoc_uclan.
If you’re a student looking to write a blog or article for our website, get in touch by emailing scommunications@uclan.ac.uk