We Value and Respect Everyone

Thought for the Day

Speak up, Speak out (1)

On 27th January 1945 Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated.

This week we will reflect and remember those who suffered and died in the Nazi death camps during World War 2, and also those who have died as a result of persecution in other countries since the end of World War 2. The theme for this week is ‘speak up, speak out’. When terrible things happen we must speak up otherwise it will not stop.

On arrival at Auschwitz-Birkenau the prisoners would see a station and the train tracks leading into the camp. This was no ordinary station; there was nothing ordinary about this camp. This was a death camp and over one and a half million people were murdered here.

Speak up, Speak out (1 cont)

If you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau today you can still see the tracks that led people inside this terrible place. Men, women and children were gassed to death because they were Jews or because they did not fit the Nazi idea of a perfect citizen.

Pause for thought- Let us never forget the suffering that happenedhere.

Speak up, Speak out (2)Each of us has a voice and the choice to use it. The choices we make in the words and language we use every day contribute to making a safe and fair society.Under the Nazi regime of hatred the voices of so many were taken away. During the genocide (mass murder) in Cambodia, it was illegal to own a radio, as it was for Jews under the Nazi regime. Time and again where evil has taken place people have had their voices taken away, others have not spoken up and lives have been changed beyond recognition.Reflection- We can all use our voices to protect the Human Rights of others.

Speak up, Speak out (3)

There have been many people who did speak up about terrible things. Sometimes these people did not become famous or feature in a film, but their courage to speak out was incredible.‘The Klerk family looked after a 2 year old Jewish boy and hid him from the Nazis, even though they risked imprisonment and even death for helping a Jew’.

Reflection-If we stay silent when cruelty happens we help the tormentor to carry on. (Elie Wiesel-Holocaust survivor)

Speak Up, Speak out (4)

‘Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes- goodwill among people and peace on earth’

(Albert Einstein, brilliant scientist)

Speak Up, Speak out (4 cont)

Watch and listen to the reflection at the link shown below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQtVH1XbNMY