Memory is a profound and complex concept, intrinsically linked to the identity and culture of a people. For the Jewish people, it does not just represent an act of historical re-enactment, but translates into a sacred ritual, a way to honor the victims of a painful past and to preserve their identity. Significant dates such as January 27, Remembrance Day, and October 7, when the pogrom in Israel is remembered, offer a precious opportunity to reflect on the importance of collective human memory.
January 27th is dedicated to the commemoration of the victims of the Shoah, an event that profoundly marked the history of humanity. This anniversary is not just a moment of reflection, but represents a ritual of resistance against oblivion. Remembering the atrocities committed during World War II is vital to ensuring that such events never happen again. Memory becomes an act of justice, a way to restore dignity to those who have been deprived of life and human rights.
THEn parallel, October 7, 2024 marks the memory of the pogrom in Israel, an event that profoundly shook the Jewish community. Again, the memory of such tragic events is crucial for the construction of a collective identity. The memory of past suffering becomes an invitation to reflect on the lessons learned, so that future generations can build a more just and peaceful world. The link between January 27 and October 7 is evident in the need to keep the memory of the injustices suffered alive, since both events are the result of a history of persecution and violence.
Ruth Kluger, writer and Holocaust survivor, in her book “Birth and Death of an Idea” reminds us that “memory is an act of rebellion against oblivion”. Every time we remember, we bring to life those who came before us. His words underline how memory not only preserves the past, but also allows us to give voice to those who have been silenced. At the same time, Emmanuel Levinas, a Jewish philosopher, states that “memory is the foundation of responsibility”. Remembering is not just an act of remembrance, but a way to respond to the injustices of the past, making remembrance an ethical imperative.
Currently, anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred continue to persist: the practice of memory therefore takes on even greater importance. Remembering the past is an act of commemoration, a powerful tool for social transformation, and a call to reflection and action. Memory becomes an act of responsibility, not only towards one’s ancestors, but also towards all of humanity.
January 27th and October 7th represent two sides of the same coin: the need to remember so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The ritual of Memory is not just a way to honor the victims, but a profound link between past and present, a means to address the injustices that still afflict humanity today. For the Jewish people, and for everyone, memory is a heritage to be jealously guarded, so that the lessons of the past can guide the choices of the future. In this way, memory is transformed into a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a better tomorrow, where the dignity and rights of every individual are always respected and protected.
