[By Morris Gaines]
In response to President Trump’s Holocaust Remembrance Day statement, there were a number of complaints, ostensibly by concerned Jews, that the statement did not mention the Jewish people.
There are two truths that need to be said in regard to the president’s statement. The first is that there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. The second is that those Jewish people who are complaining about it are attempting to use anything and everything available to them in order to undermine the president. That can be a very disastrous mistake.
The holocaust commemorates the memory of the innocent – six million holy and innocent Jewish lives brutally murdered by, yes, an entire nation of “civilized” human beings. Many others were also systematically murdered – the handicapped, the Roma, the Polish intelligentsia, and others too. For Jews, who believe in and pray to Hashem, it was the greatest modern tragedy that befell our people since the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. And it is precisely because this event was so very tragic, that it should not be hijacked and co-opted for other purposes.
The truth is that almost ten years ago to the day, President George W. Bush also released a statement about the Holocaust that did not specifically mention Jews. Everyone was fine with that statement. What is happening here is that people are using the Holocaust in partisan politics, and that is both tragic and dangerous.
Let’s look at the State of Israel, for example. Supporters of the State of Israel, both Republicans and Democrats, know that bipartisan support is crucial. Every Prime Minister, every AIPAC leader, and every leader of any Jewish organization realizes the wisdom of this concept. Support for Israel transcends American politics.
By the same token, the Holocaust should not be used as a tool of partisan politics. Such abuses of the holocaust merely serve to alienate people from what the entire purpose of commemorating such horrors is all about.
So please, stop the embarrassing attacks on President Trump’s statement.
The president’s statement reflected the highest ideals of recognizing horror and depravity and calling it out for what it is. It also brought to light one of the highest values of Judaism – hakaras hatov – recognizing the good that others have done for us.
While many of us may not agree with the president’s ban on refugees, there is one thing that he is not getting credit for. He is heroically attempting to resolve one of the greatest threats to both Muslim life and way of life – the existence of ISIS. ISIS has viciously beheaded, and murdered tens of thousands of, yes, Muslims. President Trump is truly attempting to stop this murderous regime. The lesson of the Holocaust is that mankind should never again stand idly by while evil people murder innocents. President trump is one of the few people that are putting his money where his mouth is. Instead of denigrating his statement, we should be applauding it.
For those who did not see the Trump Administration statement, it is reproduced below:
“It is with a heavy heart and somber mind that we remember and honor the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust. It is impossible to fully fathom the depravity and horror inflicted on innocent people by Nazi terror.
Yet, we know that in the darkest hours of humanity, light shines the brightest. As we remember those who died, we are deeply grateful to those who risked their lives to save the innocent.
In the name of the perished, I pledge to do everything in my power throughout my Presidency, and my life, to ensure that the forces of evil never again defeat the powers of good. Together, we will make love and tolerance prevalent throughout the world.”
As one can see, it contains the most important lessons of the Holocaust that there is: never to allow evil to prevail in the murder of innocents, recognizing evil for what it is, expressing gratitude for those who saved others, and attempting to emulate them.
NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN.
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14 Responses
Republican Senator Susan Collins disagrees and called the omission an historical mistake. The administration claims they were trying to be more inclusive. There is no problem mentioning all who suffered, but how would mentioning Jews specifically have interfered with that message? I would be interested to know what survivors think, for they more than anyone, have the authority to comment.
Thank you, Mr. Gaines.
As an offspring of Holocaust survivors, I, and some members of my family, and people who are also children of Holocaust survivors with whom I spoke and who’ve read the president’s statement the other day , wholeheartedly concur with you.
In some circles, the Holocaust has unfortunately become a victimhood industry and we dissent. While remembering the uniqueness of the Jewish tragedy and dark night during the Shoah, we also reflect on the millions of non-Jews who also suffered .
There are still Holocaust memorials being built here and there ( and being defaced) and it’s a waste of time and money.
Rather, we have so much in Judaism that is positive and constructive to inspire and teach our children, and others as well .
Excellent op Ed! So sad that democrats just sit home and look for things to pick fights about. It is the same thing with not approving trumps cabinet. They are trying their hardest to just throw obstacles at him. This letter has nothing to be insulted about.
ABSOLUTELY…
There is a hard-core anti-Trump element that will stop at nothing to undermine him. It is particularly irksome, that they will stoop so low and even use a horrific event such as the Holocaust to further THEIR political goals.
Maybe…in time…these same fools will realize the subtle change for the better. Perhaps we will be a little safer…not like Germany, France and Belgium (and NOW Canada!!!), who have had terrorists slip in under the guise of refugees. Maybe…in time…these fools will realize that there jobs will no longer be given away. Maybe…in time…these fools will notice an improvement in healthcare as well as its runaway cost….and most importantly…maybe…in time…these fools will realize that we have a President and an administration who GETS IT!!!
To paraphrase Ambassador Friedman-there are many jews who would be happy as “kapos”. methinks many are on this website…
#1 Not everything is Trump’s fault. This happened to be the fault of Trump’s Jewish aide who wrote the Holocaust statement and failed to mention Jews specifically, although Trump, an ohev Yisroel, mentioned all those who suffered in general.
And RT, how about thanking Hashem for the greatest President America has ever had, one who’s out to make America great again and make YOUR life better, instead of whining and hating him for no reason.
Rabbi heir of the simon weisenthal center put out a statement criticizing the failure to mention Jews in his holocaust message. Yeshiva world and the orthodox Jewish media believe that god chose trump as a special agent for the good of Israel and conservative causes. This is a fallacy and shows a lack of emuna. Do you really think god would chose a מנוול נויף to be his shlich. Don’t stick up for what is indefensible. Israel and am YISROEL will prevail despite trump an
Moderators Note: YWN don’t believe anything. Maybe read the disclaimer at the bottom of the op-ed…..It’s interesting….some comments bash YWN for our anti-Trump coverage, while others like yourself bash us for being Trumpers…..
#7,
With all due respect to Rabbi Heir, the Weisenthal Center is a multi-million $$$ operation. They’re a good organization and needed, but not everything they say is Toras Moshe.
Out of curiosity, I’d like to know how their $$$$ millions are used.
@your critic, are you saying (c”v) that G-d did not choose Mr Trump? I think THAT’s a bigger fallacy and lack of emuna.
At least they believe that G-d chose him although they may be mistaken in thinking they can know why He does what He does. We can only (maybe) speculate.
I believe that G-d chose Mr Trump.
Mottel, Sholom aleichem. In speaking about anti-trump agenda, the same is true with obama. The U.S. doesn’t have the same border policy as Europe, as well as having 2 oceans separating us. There have been no terror attacks in this country by any refugee. Attacks like Orlando and San Bernardino were by U.S. citizens born here, the executive order does zero to address this real danger, a smokescreen to pretend like he’s accomplishing something. Many experts say it will encourage terrorism and make us less safe r”l.
Rabbi was hand picked by trump to speak at the inauguration and now he is not allowed to criticize
God did not chose trump to be our new idol
#12 Good morning
President trump’s use of the “Holocaust” word was appropriate.
Everyone can take it as they want.