January 27, 1945 marks the day of liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp during the closing days of the Holocaust. In November 2005, the United Nations made one of the few, and perhaps the most meaningful, pro-Israel moves they have ever taken. They instituted January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Not so ironically, Israel does not consider that day as their Holocaust memorial day, but rather they remember and honor the 6 million Jewish Holocaust victims in May, on a day they call Yom HaShoah.

Following the Holocaust, Israel’s mantra became, “Never Again!” Putting nation first is ingrained in Israelis, and when young men and women go off to complete their service in the IDF, initial training is highly focused on their history and why it is important to defend the one and only homeland of the Jewish people.

On October 7, 2023, Israel suffered the worst attack on Jewish lives since the Holocaust. It opened old wounds and sent Israelis reeling. They are resilient, so they fight on. Yet there are deep wounds, and many will carry the scars throughout their lifetime, just as those survivors of the Nazi Holocaust almost 80 years ago did. 

Tomorrow, as we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, let’s do double-duty. 6 million Jews were lost in the Holocaust and another 1,200-1,400 lives were lost last October. Please pray for families who lost loved ones. 

Pray also for survivors who, in both situations, came away with their physical lives, but often struggle mentally and emotionally. The trauma is unimaginable. 

Pray for those still held captive by Hamas.

Pray for the soldiers still fighting the battle, and for their families.

Pray for the 200,000 or more Israelis who are displaced from their homes. May God grant victory in the areas near the Gaza, Lebanese and Syrian borders so that defensive structures may be erected and displace Israelis may return home to live in safety.