Commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
04/19/21 - Statement: Today, on April 19th - we commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. This was the largest single act of resistance by Jewish victims against the Nazis. Few realize that the uprising actually began on the eve of Passover - likely meant to disorient the Germans and symbolically a cry for Freedom - Let my people go!
The uprising occurred in response to a final deportation order by the Nazis that January. The Nazis had already transported some 300,000 Jews to the death camps, most of whom were murdered.
The uprising lasted 27 days. About 700 core fighters and 7000 heroic Jewish fighters with limited weapons fought and died valiantly. In the end, they could not overtake an army with machine guns. Some fighters left notes and many committed suicide to avoid capture.
In an act of savagery, Nazis crushed the ghetto, murdered everyone and destroyed the Great Synagogue on May 16th as a "symbolic triumph". Today, this memory infuses our passion to Never Forget and never let our guard down. This inhumanity shall never be forgotten. This is why a strong Jewish state is important now more than ever.
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ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities in the Jewish community and as a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
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As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.