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When stealing the symbol, then legitimizing the act, then becoming delegitimized
Auschwitz's sigh is a symptom, not only a symbol
Updated: 19/Dec/2009 15:55
The entrance to Auschwitz, now gone missing.
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Auschwitz is a symbol. Hundreds of thousands of Jews have stepped on its land since the end of the Nazi genocidal machine has ceased to function.  

These Jews came from another planet, another status, another goal – to demonstrate the survival of the Jewish people after its holocaust.  

Yet, in the last decade we, the Jewish people, have witnessed a frightening increase of anti-Semitic feelings, and acts. At first, these demonstrations of hate, were exempted with the awkward excuse of “minority” and “extremist” social groups and individual.  

Nevertheless, in the last decade, as the world have celebrated 50 years of triumph over the horrific human crime, a head of state – member of the united nations – stood up and raised his beliefs over the sensitive issue; “The alleged holocaust is a scheme, invented by the Jews in order to control the world”. Iran leader's declaration were the symptom, but as in chinese ancient medicine, the problem is rooted far deep. 

Since the legitimization of israel is being ever increasingly questioned, in the world and particularly in Europe, anti-Semitic phenomenon and outbursts becomes frequent.  

The Jews in Europe are not to be blamed with the problematics of the peace process in the Middle East, but since they are identified with Israel, they become the first target criticizing Israel's stands and acts.  

Auschwitz's sign was more than a symbol of resurrection for the Jewish people, it's also a symbol for the Jews around the world that there is a country that will not allow to a second holocaust to take place in any part of the world, not without a fight. 

By stealing this symbol, whether it was made unconsciously by ordinary thieves, or by cynical provocateurs, the act strengthened an alarming tendency of delegitimization of the outcomes of the second world war with regard to the Jewish people.  

The next act can be far greater against the Jews all around the world, especially because of the fact the the entrance to one of the biggest atrocities of human kind was stolen, the face of Auschwitz and one of its main identities disappeared in the middle of the night, merely 800 kilometers from Copenhagen, when world leaders joined in order to save the planet. 

The Jews in Europe and around the world face critical times (as always) and are, therefore, obliged to find the best solution for these acts. A lot has been written and advocated, yet real and sincere acts are absent. 

 

 

 



Aviel Atttias, a researcher in the field of international relations, contributed this comment for EJP
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