Navy Reads Holocaust Remembrance

By Bill Doughty

Over the years, we’ve offered a number of reviews and commentaries about anti-semitism, Nazism, fascism, and the holocaust. Today, we remember the victims, warning signs, and parallels today on Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2023.

Among the champions of critical thinking we have featured on Navy Reads who have addressed the horrors of the Holocaust: Hannah Arendt, author of "The Origins of Totalitarianism;” Diane Ackerman, author of “The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story;” and Timothy Snyder, author of “On Tyranny;” among others.

Snyder observes similarities between Russia’s aggression and “genocide” in Ukraine with Nazi Germany’s targeting of Jews in the Holocaust. He warns that it could happen here; the rise of Nazism began with a Big Lie, too, that Jews were responsible for Germany losing the First World War. Feelings of victimization can lead to disorder, violence, authoritarianism, and terrorism.

Snyder says U.S. military contributions to the defense of Ukraine, confronting Putin's terrorism and genocide are an investment in peace – both in Europe and as prevention of war in Asia. China, he notes, is watching the resolve of free nations in the West to help support the people of Ukraine.