Remembering the Past

Virginia Beach, Va. – Each year, Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of the six million **** who perished at the hands of the Nazis. For Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, this year’s commemoration carries an especially poignant weight as the world grapples with a resurgence of antisemitism.

A Painful Reminder

“In remembering the Holocaust today, we also bear the burden of Oct. 7,” Rabbi Zoberman expressed. “It serves as a stark reminder that the horrors of the Holocaust continue to haunt us, evoking memories of the darkest chapters in Jewish history.”

Zoberman’s personal connection to the Holocaust runs deep. In 1942, his mother endured the horrors of forced displacement from her home in western Ukraine. “They were subjected to starvation and brutality within the confines of the ghetto,” Zoberman recounted. “Eventually, they were led into the forest, pursued by the very townspeople they once called neighbors.”

Though his mother survived the Holocaust, she passed away last year at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and remembrance that Zoberman carries with him every day. “If we fail to remember, we are condemned to repeat the mistakes of the past,” he emphasized.

Facing Modern Antisemitism

In today’s world, Zoberman observes with a heavy heart as antisemitism rears its ugly head once more, often in the form of harassment and discrimination. He notes with concern the rise of antisemitic sentiments among students, particularly evident in their support of Hamas and ignorance of the complexities of the Middle East conflict.

“It is deeply distressing to witness the lack of awareness among many students regarding the realities of the Middle East,” Zoberman lamented. “We’ve made significant strides towards peace, including treaties with Egypt, Jordan, and the recent Abraham Accords. Yet, Hamas, a known terrorist organization, continues to hold innocent lives captive, including Holocaust survivors.”

Zoberman is open to engaging in dialogue with those advocating for Gaza, emphasizing the importance of pursuing peace. “Peace is a fundamental aspect of our faith,” he explained. “Israel stands ready to embrace peace, but how can we achieve it when faced with violence and threats reminiscent of Oct. 7?”

A Global Tragedy

The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history, resulting in the loss of one-third of the entire Jewish population and two-thirds of European ****. Today, approximately half of the world’s Holocaust survivors reside in Israel, with many in their twilight years, serving as living testaments to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

As the world pauses to remember the atrocities of the past, Rabbi Israel Zoberman’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance, dialogue, and vigilance in combating the scourge of antisemitism.

A Call to Remember and Act

As we honor Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us heed Rabbi

Source