Light in the Darkness – a unique event in January for which to pray
Each year thousands of small events throughout the UK commemorate the lives lost and lives scarred by Nazi persecution and the Holocaust. Many among Christian Friends of Israel staff, trustees, Regional Links, Church Links and supporters facilitate, organize, uphold in prayer and attend these events. We each become lights in the darkness and are a living memorial so that those horrors “never happen again”. When we listen to testimonies from survivors, we become witnesses too; as is often said, lest we forget.
In Autumn 2020, as the spread of the coronavirus accelerated, it was clear that events were at risk. The Lord laid on our hearts the idea that an online Holocaust Memorial event could be a useful tool for education, awareness and remembrance, as we continue to show support for the Jewish community and value our Hebraic roots. David Soakell and others began production of a fitting memorial which would be educational as well as an act of remembrance. What has emerged, after a great deal of time and energy, is a balanced and dignified yet uplifting event for a wide audience.
Currently there is an alarming rise in anti-Semitism, to the degree that attacks and media / social media bias are unparalleled – worse in fact than 1930’s Germany. Jews in the UK, whether practicing or secular, experience fear. More than ever, they are considering the safety of their families and wondering about making Aliyah, seeing a move to Israel as their safest option. This is in fact a fulfilment of Scripture, which we must be careful not to oppose.
We believe our plans were blessed supernaturally. We could not have foreseen that in 2021 the UK Holocaust Memorial Day would fall within a strict lockdown across the nations. We believe the Lord has led us to this point and given us a unique spiritual opportunity to bring understanding, education and revelation to many in an unprecedented way through YouTube on January 24th at 7pm as we premiere this event (which is 80 minutes long).
We ask that you cover the event in prayer:
The late Rabbi Sachs said, “Anti-Semitism – the hatred of difference – is an assault not on Jews only, but on the human condition as such.” We must cry out for God’s grace and mercy on humankind in these days so love reigns and never hate. Lighten the darkness, Lord.
January 2021