January 27

January 27th.  A day that came and went.  This morning I learned that January 27th was International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  I missed it.

We should never miss this day.  We should never forget.  The Jewish people have been persecuted for 2,000 years like no other people group in the history of the world.  You may not agree with everything that they are doing in the West Bank and Gaza, but none of us are walking in their shoes. 

Thousands of Jews were killed by Christians going on a crusade in Germany in 1096.  In 1290 all Jews were expelled from England.  Any of the families that went to Spain were in for a rude awakening as Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492.  This list could go on and on.  The mistreatment of Jewish people is a historic puzzle to me.  I just don't understand why people hate a group of people.  Anyway, we are all aware that the crowning piece of this hatred was the Nazi's murder of 6 million Jews during WW2.

I am reminded of this poem by Martin Niemoller.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Hatred should stop. There is no place for it in the life of a Christian.

Although this is a sobering topic, we have the chance to work for a better tomorrow and make it a beautiful day in God's world where people have a better chance to see the good.
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs