The study of the Holocaust arouses many strong emotions. We cannot help asking how? why? we are left feeling empty and despondent when we realise that such an atrocity was perpetrated only five decades ago. The Holocaust has shown us the worst possible side of human nature, perhaps a hidden side waiting to make an appearance. However, I have failed to mention the more favourable side of human nature that also presented itself in the midst of the horrors of the Holocaust. This includes the courage of those Jews who despite their predicament were able to help each other, and despite the atrocious conditions they were forced to live in, were able to preserve their self dignity. There are also those people who were able to help the Jews, while risking theirs and their families lives, such acts demonstrate that we still have to have faith in the virtue of human nature.
The Holocaust is unique due to the many components found within it. These components, as mentioned, include modernity, intention and ideology. When these aspects are taken together and applied to the Holocaust, it becomes clear that the Holocaust is in fact a unique event in the history of mankind. The Holocaust was perpetrated for no other reason than to destroy European Jewry, there were no ulterior economic motives, neither were the Jews regarded as asocials, they were not even regarded as being human. Their annihilation was not desired because of nationalistic reasons, but biological ones.
©Drefdry 2000