Holocaust memorial
LAST WEEKEND SAW the OU Jewish Society's first Holocaust Memorial Name Reading Vigil. Students took it in turns to read out victim's names from the steps of the Clarendon Building, over a twenty-four hour period on Saturday and Sunday.
The Vigil ended with a number of speeches from leading public figures, including local Lib Dem MP Dr. Evan Harris and Oxford University's Vice-Chancellor, who reminded the audience of the importance of academia in preventing future tragedies.
The event was organised in conjunction with OUSU. James Rowlands, OUSU's Welfare Officer said it was very effective, symbolising a "direct reversal of the extermination process" by giving the victims some sort of identity back.
Ex-OUJS President Oliver Harris proclaimed the event a huge success, despite a lack of support from College JCRs. He pointed out that the day was not just for Jewish people, but for ensuring future generations learn from the mistakes of the past.
However, not everyone entirely agreed with the OUSU's involvement. One St. Hugh's student draped a banner from his window asking us to "Remember Palestine".
He stated that he did not want to offend anyone, just that it is important not to forget the Palestinian cause. He argued that Israel being constantly linked with the Holocaust gives the country a "stronger bargaining position" in international politics.
However, Mr. Rowlands defended OUSU's involvement, pointing out that the extermination process had also targeted many disabled people, homosexuals and political dissidents, quite apart from Jews, and that he was in some ways "glad" that the Memorial had provoked such a reaction, as it helped to remind people of the dangers of prejudices.
31st Jan 2002