January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, carries the weight of history and personal loss, a day set by the United Nations General Assembly on November 1, 2005, to honour the victims of the Holocaust. It commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by the Soviet Army in 1945 and serves as a reminder of the fragility of humanity and the importance of collective memory.

A Personal Connection

For my family, January 27 is not just a date; it’s a reflection of our history. Both of my parents lived through the Nazi era in Hungary, and tragically, three of my grandparents, along with many relatives, were victims of Auschwitz. From a young age, the Holocaust, or Shoah, profoundly shaped my understanding of our family’s history and the heavy burden of this tragedy.

Family History and Immigration

After the war, my sister Anita and I were born in Hungary, but we grew up in Montreal after our parents and uncle escaped Communist Hungary in 1949 in search of safety. By 1951, Montreal had become a vibrant community of Hungarian-speaking survivors, where stories of resilience and survival were woven into our upbringing. Questions of why, who, and how constantly lingered, fueled by our family’s experiences and discussions within our community.

Echoes of the Past

Both of my parents worked tirelessly during my childhood. I remember my mother hiring a teenager to accompany me to school. Against the backdrop of the Holocaust that echoed through our community, surviving relatives openly shared their wartime experiences. These gatherings created an environment rich in reflection and understanding, instilling a deep connection to our history and a sense of responsibility to carry it forward.

Continuing Struggles and Reflections

My search for understanding continues to this day. Even in retirement from my career as a psychotherapist, I acknowledge that none of us can avoid the enduring impact of our family histories. Whether dealing with the effects of slavery, residential schools, oppressive governments, or the consequences of poverty, we all grapple with the legacies passed down through generations. These histories shape how we see the world and what we owe to others, urging us to consider our roles in fostering healing and understanding.

Collective Responsibility

International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as an important reminder for governments and institutions worldwide to reflect on the decisions that led to genocide. It fosters a collective commitment to honouring the victims through education aimed at addressing the root causes of hatred. Many countries have implemented Holocaust education programs in schools to ensure that future generations grasp the dangers of intolerance. As we reflect on this day, let’s commit to preventing such atrocities from occurring again. Together, we can strive to build a world rooted in compassion and understanding, each of us playing our part in the narrative of remembrance.