85 years after WWII’s outbreak, the battle for truth and memory continues

As we mark this year’s September 1—a day that commemorates the 85th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II—we find ourselves not only reflecting on the past but confronting the stark realities of the present. The urgency of remembering this date has never been more pronounced, especially in light of the horrific events of October 7, 2023. On that day, the world witnessed a brutal assault, a manifestation of the same hatred and intolerance that fueled the Second World War and the Holocaust.

The antisemitic winds that have persisted since the Holocaust have, over the past year, intensified into a storm of hatred against Jews. This has been the most challenging and dangerous year for Jews worldwide since the Holocaust, both in Israel and across the globe. The lessons of the Holocaust have not been learned, and the threat to Jews remains ever-present. Eighty-five years after the outbreak of the war, calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews echo from Iran to the streets of New York, London, Paris, and beyond.

World War II was not just a global conflict; it was a war born out of the darkest impulses of humanity—intolerance, xenophobia, and a perverse belief in racial superiority. These forces culminated in the systematic extermination of six million Jews during the Holocaust, alongside the persecution of countless others. As we commemorate the beginning of this war, we must recognize the dangerous parallels in today’s world, where similar forces seek to distort truth and undermine the lessons of history.

The aftermath of both has given rise to a disturbing trend: the distortion, denial, and manipulation of historical and contemporary events, echoing the tactics long used by Holocaust deniers.

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, a slew of conspiracy theories began circulating on social media, claiming that the attacks were a “false flag” operation orchestrated by Israel to justify subsequent military actions in Gaza. Just as Holocaust deniers attempt to rewrite history by casting doubt on the vastly-documented genocide of six million Jews, these conspiracy theorists seek to obscure the truth and deflect responsibility. Such narratives are not just misleading—they are dangerous, as they erode the ability to discern fact from fiction and undermine the very fabric of historical truth. Despite the fact that this was the most documented attack in history, with the murders being broadcast live, accompanied by cheers and celebrations—denial still persists, and the victims are being blamed.

Even more alarming are instances where individuals and groups have outright denied that the October 7 attacks took place. This form of denial is particularly insidious, as it attempts to erase the suffering and trauma experienced by the victims and their families. Holocaust denial operates on a similar premise—by denying the reality of the Holocaust, deniers seek to invalidate the experiences of survivors and the memory of those who perished.

Equally troubling are the narratives that seek to minimize the severity of the October 7 attacks or justify them by blaming the victims or the Israeli government. Just as some have attempted to downplay the horrors of the Holocaust or rationalize the actions of the Nazi regime, these modern narratives seek to shift blame and obfuscate the true nature of the violence. Such attempts to rewrite history and current events are a form of historical revisionism that serves only to perpetuate hate and division.

For organizations like the International March of the Living, which each year leads thousands of Jews and non-Jews to walk the grounds of Auschwitz – Birkenau in remembrance, the mission of preserving and teaching history has never been more critical. As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, the responsibility to keep their stories alive falls on our shoulders. Holocaust education is not merely a historical obligation; it is a moral imperative that speaks to the core of our shared humanity. By teaching future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance, we arm them with the tools to recognize and resist these forces in their own lives.

In the final analysis, we must sharpen our understanding of the lessons that have not been learned from the Holocaust. The shedding of Jewish blood did not end with the Holocaust. Although the free world stood by Israel during the recent attack and once again to protect Israel from Iran, and though the State of Israel is no longer defenseless as the Jews were during the Holocaust, the fight against antisemitism that bubbles in the streets remains insufficient. The world is not doing enough to confront Iran’s declarations and actions aimed at the destruction of Israel. It is not enough to make a renewed commitment—decisive and clear actions against antisemitism on campuses and in the streets are urgently needed.

In a world increasingly fractured by division and hatred, the lessons of World War II and the Holocaust are more relevant than ever. We cannot afford to be complacent. The resurgence of antisemitism, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry demands a renewed commitment to the principles of tolerance and understanding. As we mark this September 1st, let it serve as a call to action—a reminder that the fight against hatred is ongoing, and that our commitment to truth and justice must be unwavering.