Commentary: Remember Holocaust, choose to act

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Renkosiak
  • 48th Operations Support Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  In the spring of 1943, Leon Feldhendler had enough.

He planted the seeds of resistance amongst hundreds of inmates at the Sobibór concentration camp in Poland.

An uprising was in the works. After the arrival of Alexander Perchersky, a plan was created.

On Oct. 14, 1943, that plan was put into action. More than 300 inmates, almost half of the camp's prisoners, escaped beyond the gates. Unfortunately, many of the escapees were recaptured and executed by the Germans. Of the 300 to escape, only 53 lived to see the end of the war. Those 53 lived because hundreds chose to act.

We still live in a world where atrocities happen. 'Islamic State' has carried out acts of terrorism against thousands of innocent people across Iraq and Syria in the past year. The United States and a coalition of nations have stood up for the idea that people should not be killed for being different or holding contrasting beliefs. If we continue to keep the horrors of the Holocaust in our thoughts, then we will always choose to act against evil.

Even though we are now almost 70 years removed from 'Victory in Europe Day', the lessons learned from the atrocities of the Holocaust remain as important as ever. During Holocaust Remembrance Week, it is crucial for everyone to remember how vital it is to take action against the evils in this world. Racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and other forms of hatred are still all too common.

Sometimes it takes the actions of nations to reign in hate and evil. Sometimes all it takes is for one person to act, to speak out, to help others understand  that there is no longer a place in the world for these hate-filled ideals. I challenge all of us to be that person; choose to act!

The 48th Fighter Wing 'Heritage Day,' Friday, Aug. 21, will focus on the diversity, history, and culture of all Liberty Airmen. Holocaust Remembrance Week is a reminder of what can happen when we let unbridled hate take control, instead of embracing and celebrating our differences.