In 1940, a Nazi concentration and death camp was opened in Auschwitz Poland. For almost five unimaginably horrific years, Jews and other “undesirables” were led like sheep to the slaughter through the gates of the most horrifically evil place on planet earth. Mercifully, on January 27, 1945, Auschwitz was liberated, and those awaiting death were set free.

There are no words to describe the atrocities that happened in those brutal chambers, though perhaps those who endured October 7, 2023, may be able to relate. The scenes of both demonic events are far too graphic to imagine or to express. Suffice it to say, Satan has an especially evil place in his dark soul for the Jewish people, and he longs to torture, damage, humiliate and obliterate all Jewish life.

Following World War II, the UN General Assembly, in one of the very few pro-Israel decisions they have ever made, designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Though Israel has its own Holocaust Remembrance Day in May, those who love and support Israel express solidarity with them every January 27.

On Monday, we join millions around the world in remembering the 6 million Jews, including over 1 million children, who lost their lives simply for being Jewish. Will you take time this weekend to reach out to a Jewish friend or acquaintance and say to them, “I remember this day, and I stand with Israel.” Will you take time today to pray for the remaining Holocaust survivors (less than 250,000)?

Here is a short video to help us understand the reality of Auschwitz. May it be our motivation to bless someone today.