This week, we look to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on the 27 January each year. As we hope for a better future for our world, it is important to reflect on what has happened in the past. This day encourages us to remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and during more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Still today, we can see many hateful issues in our world, including the presence of antisemitism today, which is hostility or prejudice towards Jewish people. 

It is my hope that as a school-community, we can be bold in standing up against hate and prejudice in our world. Also, for stories to be shared of those who have experienced prejudice or hate because of ethnicity or background, so we can pursue change for our future.  

Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to love others, treat one another with respect and seek to make peace in this world. How are we following that?

Questions:

1. What lessons do you think we need to learn as we remember Holocaust Memorial Day?
2. What examples can you think of around the world where people today are experiencing hurt from prejudice?
3. How can you follow the teachings of Jesus when you see antisemitism and hate in our communities?
4. What can we pray for in our world? 

Let’s finish with a prayer 
Loving God, we come to you, remembering the millions who suffered and were murdered during the Holocaust.

In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, we recognise how hateful prejudices drive people apart.

Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us.

In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious creation of you, and we ask for your courage to face the darkness in our world.
Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil.

Amen