Belief in the Holocaust: Reverberations within Judaism and the Neturei Karta
The Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in human history, is a topic often shrouded in controversy, including among deeply religious individuals. A deeply religious Jew refusing to believe in the Holocaust would undoubtedly face significant social and communal repercussions. This article explores the implications of such a belief within Judaism, drawing from historical and contemporary examples, and the broader ethical responsibilities within the faith.
The Neturei Karta: A Case in Point
The Jewish Religious Zionist Organization (N'iflaot), better known as the Neturei Karta, exemplifies the potential consequences for those who deny historical events such as the Holocaust. In 2005, members of the Neturei Karta were formally excommunicated for attending a conference in Iran that denied the occurrence of the Holocaust. This decision serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from veering from accepted historical narratives within Jewish communities.
The Impact on Personal and Communal Life
The Holocaust did not remain a distant memory for many Jews. The personal stories of survival and loss within families are deeply ingrained in Jewish history and identity. For instance, the author of this piece, a non-religious Jew, did not learn about the Holocaust until the age of 15, when a candid conversation with his father revealed that his grandmother's sisters remained behind in Europe and perished during the Holocaust. The emotional impact of such revelations is both profound and enduring.
Why Denying the Holocaust is Important?
The denial of the Holocaust by deeply religious Jews is not merely a theoretical concern; it touches on fundamental ethical and religious principles. The Zohar, a central text in Kabbalah, emphasizes the importance of truth and the pursuit of righteousness. By denying the Holocaust, one not only contradicts the historical record but also challenges a crucial aspect of the Jewish faith that values truth and the preservation of historical memory.
Ethical Obligations within Judaism
One of the commandments in Judaism is to strive for justice (tzedakah). By making a statement contrary to the evidence of the Holocaust, an individual violates this commandment. The ethical imperative to adhere to the truth abides by this principle, emphasizing the importance of truth in upholding religious obligations. Rabbi Aharon Schectman, a Lithuanian rabbi, once said, "To deny the Holocaust is to deny everything the Jews have accomplished over the centuries."
Conclusion
The belief in the Holocaust is not just a historical fact but a core component of Jewish identity and religious integrity. The Neturei Karta's excommunication underscores the severe consequences that can arise from denying historical events deemed central to Jewish history. For deeply religious Jews who have lost family members during the Holocaust, denying such a pivotal event is tantamount to denying a part of their heritage and responsibility to truth and justice. The ethical imperative to adhere to the truth is a cornerstone of Jewish faith, making the belief in the Holocaust a non-negotiable element of Jewish identity and obligations.