What is a Holocaust?

 

The Holocaust was a systematic state-sponsored killing of millions of people, primarily Jews, by the German Nazi regime during World War II ¹². The word “holocaust” comes from the Greek words “holos” (whole) and “kaustos” (burned) and was historically used to describe a sacrificial offering burned on an altar ¹. The Holocaust is viewed as the emblematic manifestation of absolute evil ³.

The German Nazi regime targeted not only Jews but also Romani people, the intellectually disabled, political dissidents, and homosexuals ². The persecution and mass murder of these groups were carried out in concentration camps, where prisoners were subjected to forced labor, starvation, disease, and torture ².

The Holocaust is a tragic reminder of the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and hatred. It is important to remember the victims and survivors of this atrocity and to work towards creating a more tolerant and peaceful world ³.