Kristallnacht refers to a wave of violence against Jewish people that took place throughout Germany, annexed Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia on the evening of 9th November 1938 and the following day.
It was the first large government-sanctioned show of antisemitic violence in and around Germany. Mobs of SS, SA and Hitler Youth freely attacked Jews in the streets and their homes, in their synagogues and workplaces. 1,400 synagogues and many Jewish businesses were plundered and then destroyed.
Shop windows shattered during Kristallnacht.
(photo: Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1970-083-42 / CC-BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Kristallnacht resulted in over 30,000 Jewish men being arrested and sent to concentration camps. This terrifying wave of violence stands out as a turning point in history. Hatred and evil practises of all kinds are warned against in the Bible. Psalm 97:10 says, “Let those who love the Lord hate evil ...” But really this is a heart issue for each individual too, mentioned clearly in 1 John 3:15 “anyone who hates a brother is a murderer”.
Let us use the 2022 anniversary of Kristallnacht to pray:
- For those who hate, to have a supernatural revelation of the light and love of God.
- That recent TV programmes highlighting far-right activity and Jew hatred will spur people to think carefully about the subject and become more aware of the need for protection of hated groups of people and cultures, especially Jewish communities and traditions. Pray that where there is fear, people will reach out to God.
- That those whose culture and upbringing have encouraged and indoctrinated them to hate others, especially the Jewish people, will have a change of heart. Pray that leaders and governments will encourage people to be tolerant, discourage any acts of hate, and speak out clearly about the poison of antisemitism.
- For Rishi Sunak, our Prime Minister, who has made positive comments on the construction of a Holocaust memorial and more education on the Holocaust. He shows support for the Jewish communities’ security concerns, especially where Jewish faith schools now need a security presence outside. Pray that he continues to support them.
- That many are reminded when they read about the anniversary of Kristallnacht that Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January, is a good time for acts of remembrance and commemoration for those who perished in the Holocaust, and is an opportunity for education of all age groups.
- For the protection, success and blessing of all CFI Links and supporters as they plan Holocaust Memorial events for January.
‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness – only light can do that,
Hate cannot drive out hate – only love can do that.’
Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
