Protecting Holocaust Memory: Defending Truth, Standing Against The Genocide Libel

 

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is more than a date on the calendar; it is a solemn cornerstone of remembrance, reflection, and education. Observed annually on January 27th, it honours the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, reminding us of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hatred and prejudice. It also reaffirms Britain’s steadfast commitment to tolerance, justice, and human dignity—values that define our liberal democracy.

Yet, this critical day of reflection has come under attack. The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called for a boycott of HMD, accusing it of exclusivity and alleging it is “instrumentalised.” This narrative is not only disingenuous; it is deeply harmful, falling squarely into the category of genocide libelling.

What is Genocide Libelling?

Genocide libelling refers to the deliberate distortion or manipulation of historical genocides to diminish their gravity, weaponise their memory, or apply them falsely to unrelated scenarios. This tactic is often wielded as a tool of hate, distorting history to serve political agendas that vilify particular groups or states. For Jews and the state of Israel, this phenomenon is particularly pernicious, as it exploits the Holocaust—a uniquely systematic and ideologically driven genocide—to delegitimise Jewish identity, history, and self-determination.

By exploiting the memory of the Holocaust, genocide libellers corrode historical truth and foster antisemitism. They undermine efforts to combat hate by sowing confusion and division, reframing Holocaust remembrance as exclusionary or politically charged. The International Human Rights Commission’s (IHRC) call to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) exemplifies this troubling phenomenon, as it is not only an attack on remembrance but also a thinly veiled expression of antizionism.

The IHRC frames its boycott of HMD as a critique of its perceived exclusivity, accusing it of serving a political agenda. However, this narrative reveals an antizionist undercurrent that must be exposed and addressed. Antizionism—the rejection of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland—has long been used as a vehicle for contemporary antisemitism. By targeting HMD, the IHRC seeks to distort the Holocaust’s lessons and redirect its moral weight against the Jewish state.

Genocide libelling often employs false equivalences, comparing the Holocaust to unrelated political conflicts or atrocities in a way that trivialises its unique historical significance. In doing so, it not only diminishes the gravity of the Holocaust but also weaponises its memory to vilify Israel and the Jewish people. This tactic plays into broader narratives that seek to delegitimise Israel’s existence by painting the Jewish state as a perpetrator of crimes akin to those of Nazi Germany—a grotesque inversion of historical truth that perpetuates hate and division.

The IHRC’s actions extend far beyond a simple boycott. By actively encouraging universities, councils, and public institutions to reject HMD, they aim to embed their divisive narrative into the fabric of British society. This is not merely a rhetorical stance; it is a deliberate campaign to delegitimise the shared lessons of the Holocaust and undermine the solidarity that HMD fosters among all communities.

Framing HMD as “exclusionary” is a calculated attempt to alienate Jewish history from the universal fight against hatred. It shifts focus away from the Holocaust’s unique horrors and the antisemitism that fuelled them, recasting commemoration as a political act. This false narrative emboldens those who already seek to deny or distort the Holocaust, giving cover to antisemitism while fostering polarisation in the guise of inclusivity.

When genocide libelling is allowed to flourish, it not only distorts historical memory but also erodes the moral and social foundations that enable us to combat hate effectively. By misappropriating the Holocaust’s legacy, such narratives weaken its universal lessons, which are vital for recognising and confronting prejudice, hatred, and systemic violence in all forms.

The IHRC’s boycott is not just an attack on Jewish history; it is a broader assault on truth and unity. As an expression of antizionism, it exemplifies how Holocaust memory can be manipulated to serve agendas that perpetuate division and intolerance. This must be addressed decisively—not only to protect the integrity of Holocaust remembrance but to ensure that the fight against antisemitism remains at the heart of efforts to build a more inclusive and just society.

A Call to Confront Genocide Libelling

At its core, combating genocide libelling is about reclaiming the narrative of truth and ensuring that history cannot be distorted to serve hatred. It is about recognising that the Holocaust’s lessons are not political weapons but moral imperatives. This is why We Believe in Israel is taking a stand, calling for the enshrinement of Holocaust Memorial Day in UK law and launching initiatives to counter this dangerous rhetoric.

The IHRC’s campaign is a reminder of what is at stake. Holocaust remembrance is not a privilege for some; it is a responsibility for all. Let us confront genocide libelling wherever it appears and reaffirm our commitment to the universal values of truth, justice, and dignity. Only then can we protect the past from manipulation and the future from division.

A Decisive Response from We Believe in Israel

At We Believe in Israel (WBII), we recognise the gravity of this threat and the urgent need for action. Defending Holocaust Memorial Day is about safeguarding more than memory; it is about protecting the principles of justice, truth, and unity that underpin our democracy. To that end, WBII has developed a comprehensive response to counter these attacks and ensure HMD remains an enduring pillar of our national identity.

  1. Policy Recommendation: WBII has drafted a robust policy proposal calling for the enshrinement of Holocaust Memorial Day in UK law. This step will formalise HMD as a statutory day of remembrance, ensuring its protection from the corrosive forces of denial, distortion, and boycott. Key components include:

    • Mandatory Observance in Schools: Embedding Holocaust education into the national curriculum to teach future generations about the consequences of hatred and prejudice.
    • Government and Public Institution Participation: Requiring public bodies to observe HMD through official ceremonies and reflective activities, underscoring its national significance.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: Supporting grassroots initiatives and media campaigns to counter misinformation and promote unity.
    • Oversight and Accountability: Establishing a dedicated government body to coordinate and evaluate HMD activities nationwide.
  2. Public Advocacy Initiatives: WBII is launching two major campaigns to galvanise public support:

    • A National Petition: This petition will call on the UK Government to adopt our policy recommendation and protect Holocaust Memorial Day through legislative action.
    • ‘Write to Your MP’ Campaign: This grassroots initiative will empower individuals to contact their Members of Parliament directly, urging them to champion the enshrinement of HMD and oppose efforts to distort its significance.

Why It Matters

The IHRC’s actions represent more than a boycott—they are an assault on historical truth and the values that unite our society. By calling on universities, councils, and other institutions to reject HMD, they threaten to fragment our collective memory and embolden the dangerous forces of denial and antisemitism. Their efforts to mainstream genocide libels must be confronted decisively, with clear and unwavering opposition.

WBII’s initiatives aim to dismantle these narratives and ensure that Holocaust remembrance remains a vital and unassailable part of British public life. Enshrining HMD in law will not only counter the IHRC’s harmful rhetoric but also reaffirm Britain’s commitment to the promise of “Never Again.”

A Call to Action

With each passing year, the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, and with them, the living testimonies that anchor us to the truth of one of history’s darkest chapters. Simultaneously, the rise of Holocaust denial, distortion, and trivialisation grows more emboldened, threatening to erode the lessons the Holocaust teaches us about the perils of hatred and prejudice. This cannot be ignored.

Britain must take a stand. The lessons of the Holocaust must remain central to our national consciousness, and those who seek to undermine or distort them must be met with unwavering resistance. Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is a vital part of this effort, serving as a moment of collective reflection, education, and solidarity.

We Believe in Israel (WBII) invites all who share this vision to join us in our campaign to enshrine HMD in law. While we are actively preparing a national petition and a Write to Your MP campaign, we are taking this opportunity to share our comprehensive policy recommendation with our supporters.

This recommendation outlines a decisive strategy to safeguard Holocaust memory from the pernicious narrative of genocide libels. It proposes mandatory observance in schools, formal participation by government institutions, and robust public awareness campaigns to ensure that HMD remains an enduring part of British public life. By embedding it into the statutory framework, we can counter denial and distortion while reaffirming the values that make Britain a beacon of tolerance and justice.

Together, we can protect Holocaust memory, reject the forces of hatred, and defend the principles that underpin our democracy. The fight against Holocaust denial and distortion is a fight for truth, unity, and humanity.

Join us in this critical effort. Sign the petition when it launches, participate in our Write to Your MP campaign, and share our policy recommendation widely. Let us unite against those who seek to distort history and sow division. By standing together, we can ensure that Holocaust Memorial Day remains an enduring light against the darkness of hatred and denial.

Thank you for your unwavering support as we move forward in this vital campaign. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that the promise of “Never Again” remains a defining feature of our national identity.

 

Read Our Policy Recommendation Here