Remember & learn

Job 7:6-10 NKJV

"My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, And are spent without hope. [7] Oh, remember that my life is a breath! My eye will never again see good. [8] The eye of him who sees me will see me no more; While your eyes are upon me, I shall no longer be. [9] As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, So he who goes down to the grave does not come up. [10] He shall never return to his house, Nor shall his place know him anymore.

These are the words of Job, but could rightly be ascribed to those caught up in the Holocaust of WW2.

I had the immense privilege of knowing two survivors of the Holocaust - Nahum and Genia Manor - now both sadly departed - we are still in the Shiva for Genia.

They experienced the horror, fear and loss of lives dear to them at that time and lived to stand as witnesses of the reality thereof.

In these times of Holocaust denial I am so glad to be able to proclaim the truth of their sufferings, their bravery and resilience.

Their love for each other, forged in hardship, overcame so much. Now their large family have blossomed in the bosom of Israel.

Genia was snatched from the jaws of death in Auschwitz by Oscar Schindler and never ceased to be grateful for this.

Her painting stands as a testimony to the dreadful fate that awaited the many.

On this Holocaust Memorial Day, let us remember and commemorate with hushed mouths and sombre hearts, learning the harsh lessons from the past.

Never again!