BBC asks if it's time to stop talking about Holocaust
Question presented on Twitter by faith and ethics television program 'The Big Questions' ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day sets social media ablaze.
The timing of the question was particularly shocking in the wake of growing levels of anti-Semitism in Europe, the recent terror attacks in Paris and the ongoing fear felt by Jews in Europe. Last week, a study found that a quarter of young British Jews believe another Holocaust will take place during their lifetime.
Our one big question this morning: Is the time coming to lay the Holocaust to rest? #BBCTBQ
— The Big Questions (@bbcbigquestions) January 25, 2015
Naturally, Twitter was ablaze with controversy following the BBC's question, with many responding taking an understandably hostile tone. It also led to a debate about the Holocaust being a unique event in history, and how we could learn from the tragic events of the past today.
With Jews being targeted all over the world, moronic-question-of-the-year award goes to @bbcbigquestions
@BBCWatch
pic.twitter.com/BiwIH7yUPW
— Kay Wilson (@kishkushkay) January 26, 2015
The program also featured a myriad of rabbis, educators, academics and survivors who engaged in discussion.
Panelists included historian Tom Lawson, who did not agree that the Holocaust was "unique," Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, who mentioned the question itself was somewhat "obscene," Rabbi Yaakov Wise, who suggested the Nazis sought the "annihilation of Judaism as a religion, as a philosophy, as a civilization," Holocaust survivor Iby Knill, journalist Angela Epstein, Rabbi Benjy Rickman from King David and Yavneh High School in Manchester, and others.
"The Big Questions" is usually hosted by Nicky Campbell and aired weekly as a religion and ethics program.
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life .
