On Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day: Echoes of resilience from Auschwitz to Sha’ar Hanegev

In the nebulous twilight of history, certain events resonate with such a strong echo that their reverberation is felt across generations. Two of these events, separated by decades but united by a common thread of resistance and memory, deeply mark the spirit of those who seek justice and peace. It is a thread that intertwines the heartbreaking history of the Holocaust and the attacks of October 7th with the resilient spirit of Israel, united by the commitment to never forget and to stand together against hatred and terror. This story traverses the solemn path from darkness to light, from injustice to solidarity, and from the right of a people to live in peace in their ancestral land.

In August 2023, my wife and I witnessed the painful legacy of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz Museum in Poland. The solemnity of the place enveloped us as we walked on a rainy day through those grounds that were once the scene of humanity's greatest atrocities. But our journey did not end there; we joined a group of friends to follow in the footsteps of Rudolf Vrba and Alfred Wetzler, two courageous souls who escaped to tell the world the unimaginable. Organized by the ICEJ-Czech Republic, our 120-kilometer walk from Auschwitz to Zilina, Slovakia, was an act of remembrance and reaffirmation of Jewish courage and resilience. Along rivers and mountains, each step strengthened our commitment to truth and justice.

The journey was physically and emotionally demanding, but the sense of community and the presence of Vrba's grandson, who shared stories read from his grandfather's diary, kept us motivated. This memorial walk took us six days to complete. Still, each kilometer traveled in solidarity was a testament to the collective voice raised against intolerance and fanaticism, resonating in the valleys and mountains, echoing the cries of millions silenced by hatred. Upon arriving in Zilina, where Vrba and Wetzler drafted their vital report, we felt a mix of exhaustion and honor. The house where Vrba and Wetzler wrote their report was a testament to the power of truth, a reminder that light can shine through the cracks of darkness, even in the darkest times. It was a moment of reflection and reverence, a call to action to #neverforget those who perished and to honor their memory with the commitment never to allow history to repeat itself. Atrociously and painfully, it did happen again.

Just two months later, the Feast of Tabernacles, a symbol of resilience and gratitude, was overshadowed by the echoes of terror that shattered the tranquility of the land. During that celebration, we had been with the ICEJ at the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council with 700 Christian pilgrims celebrating the fellowship that ICEJ has maintained with the kibbutzim in the area for decades. The sirens of October 7th woke us up. The horror of terrorist attacks against Israel sadly resonated with the lessons of the past. Our dear friend, Ofir Libstein, host of our visit two days earlier, was the first reported victim, a loss that shook the entire Israeli community and the thousands of Christian pilgrims who were still in Israel.

In the subsequent days, those of us who are part of the ICEJ were notified that an American philanthropist was offering a charter flight for any volunteer in Israel to have the opportunity to leave before the unstoppable war began. Impressively, we looked into each other's eyes, identifying that we all decided to stay here. I only hear these words in my spirit: "I will fulfill my purpose in you, for I have made you present here in Israel for such a time as this."

From the outset, the ICEJ recognized Israel's right to defend itself against this attack and to free the hostages. Since then, we have daily lifted in unity with our ninety-four offices worldwide, our devout prayers for Israel's release from all its enemies, and the well-being and peace in the entire region. Meanwhile, my wife and I engaged in humanitarian activities organized by the Christian Embassy, from comforting the families of the hostages, visiting the soldiers, assisting in the kibbutzim affected by the attacks, and packing food for displaced families. My role in the ICEJ is to serve as their spokesperson for the Hispanic world, and it is an honor to attend to international media, both secular and religious, to convey the testimony of what our eyes and ears perceive in this, what we consider is the time when Israel needs Christians the most.

The reason we maintain this steadfast commitment to bless, to speak well of Israel, and to support them in their fight against antisemitism lies in the very essence of our faith. It is a divine mandate and an act of justice that responds to the highest expectations of humanity and compassion. According to Scripture, supporting Israel and its people is not just an act of solidarity but fulfilling a divine purpose, recognizing the interconnectedness of our shared history and destinies. Thus, from the bleak days of the Holocaust to the challenging current times of crisis and war in Israel, our mission remains clear. We stand firm in defending Israel, in speaking truth, and in the tireless promotion of justice.

With every step, like on the journey to Zilina and with every word, like in our public appearances, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Jewish people, honoring both their exodus in the past and their aliyah in the present and forging a future of hope and peace, hatikva v'shalom, as we long for the arrival of the Messiah in whom all the promises of blessing and salvation made to Israel will be fulfilled, and of which, by the sheer grace of the Almighty, non-Jews are also beneficiaries.