6 million. That's the number of Jews they say died during the holocaust. 6,000,000. Of this number, 1/6th were children. Some were two or three years old.
I can almost imagine that number of people dying in a war. almost. But this was no war. War implies sides and fighting and weapons which, oh sure, the Nazis had. But the Jewish people who were killed- many of them didn't even put up a fight, making the holocaust nothing more than mass-murder, genocide.
My thoughts about the holocaust were kindled today by a visit to the famous Yad Vashem in Jerusalem: a very moving and well-constructed memorial to the numbers of people who either died or had some connection to the holocaust.
As we followed the tour guide around with our dorky headphones and serious faces, I was struck by waves of tears and lumps in my throat over the horror and evil that went on less than 70 years ago. There's something to be said about being a gentile too- I feel sort of responsible. Not that I had anything to do with something that happened before I was born, but I do feel ashamed of my people, Americans. We sent Jews back to their country only to have their blood on our hands.
BUT- before I get too dramatic- God did have a purpose behind it. I know that sounds way cliche' and not very helpful at all, but it's so TRUE. God protected and preserved His people. Despite the Hitler regime to wipe out "inferior" races and his great strength, the world is still alive and well. In fact, there is a Jewish state called Israel where Jewish people can finally find a home.
I guess this is more of a thoughts and rants sort of post...so sorry if you were expecting something a little more interesting. I just wanted to share a picture I saw at the museum that I found online. And when I see this picture I have to remember that as depraved as man is- God's grace and preserving power is infinity times more.
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