Pogrom
“The lessons of Auschwitz,” Lauder reminds us, “are not just about the past—they are about the future.”
The word pogrom evokes fear and trauma, particularly within Jewish communities, symbolising violent persecution and historical suffering. Reflecting on Ronald Lauder’s powerful remarks at the 80th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz and Birkenau, we are reminded that remembrance alone is not enough—it must be accompanied by decisive action. As Lauder poignantly stated: “The extermination of the Jews in World War II was a step-by-step process aided by those who hated Jews, but advanced by the indifference of people who thought they were not affected because they were not Jewish.”
Lauder, a philanthropist and President of the World Jewish Congress, has been a prominent advocate for Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism. His recent remarks highlighted that the past cannot merely be remembered—it requires active engagement. Citing Elie Wiesel’s observation that “the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference,” Lauder urged governments, educators, and civil society to address the resurgence of hatred. He cautioned that silence in the face of injustice fuels its spread, and emphasised that “education is the most effective tool in dismantling hate.”
Drawing parallels between the pre-Holocaust era and today’s rising antisemitism, Lauder stated, “It was the world’s silence that led to Auschwitz.” He noted with concern that “Jewish children are being told to hide outward signs of being Jewish,” evoking disturbing echoes of the past. His call to action is clear: “Let today be the day all of us make a pledge—not to be silent when it comes to antisemitism.”
Under Lauder’s leadership, the World Jewish Congress has championed Holocaust remembrance, supported Jewish communities globally, and tackled modern antisemitism. His unwavering commitment provides a beacon of hope that through education and collective action, we can create a more tolerant and inclusive world. “The lessons of Auschwitz,” Lauder reminds us, “are not just about the past—they are about the future.”
Understanding Pogroms
Definition and Characteristics
A pogrom refers to an organised massacre or violent attack against a specific group, most notably Jews, though the term has broader applications. It derives from the Russian pogrom, meaning “to destroy” or “to wreak havoc.”
Historically, pogroms were often state-sanctioned or tolerated by local authorities, resulting in widespread violence, destruction, and displacement.
Key characteristics of pogroms include:
- Violence and Looting: Mass killings, physical assaults, sexual violence, and the destruction of homes, synagogues, and businesses.
- State Complicity: Authorities often turned a blind eye or actively encouraged the violence.
- Forced Displacement: Survivors were frequently driven from their homes, losing their possessions and communities.
A Historical Perspective: The Kishinev Pogrom (1903)
One of the most infamous pogroms occurred in Kishinev (now Chisinau, Moldova) in 1903. Over two days, 49 Jews were murdered, hundreds were injured, and countless homes and businesses were destroyed. The violence was triggered by a false accusation—a blood libel claiming that Jews had murdered a Christian boy for ritual purposes—and fuelled by antisemitic propaganda.
The authorities’ complicity made the massacre particularly devastating. Police stood by, offering no protection to the Jewish community. While the international outcry condemned the violence, it did little to prevent future pogroms across Eastern Europe and Russia.
Beyond the Russian Empire: Pogroms Across History
While most associated with the Russian Empire’s persecution of Jews, pogrom-like violence has occurred throughout history against various minority groups. Examples include:
- The anti-Armenian massacres in the late Ottoman Empire.
- The anti-Catholic Gordon Riots in 18th-century London.
- Kristallnacht (1938), a state-sponsored pogrom in Nazi Germany.
The defining feature of a pogrom is its organised nature, often with explicit or implicit state approval. Pogroms signal societal decay, where prejudice and bigotry are left to fester and escalate.
Pogroms and Antisemitic Violence in the Last 50 Years
Antisemitic violence has persisted globally, manifesting in large-scale attacks and systematic persecution. Below is a summary of key events that mirror historical pogroms:
State-Sanctioned Persecution and Exodus
- Iran (Post-1979): Following the Islamic Revolution, Iran’s Jewish population faced persecution, forcing mass emigration. Public executions of Jewish leaders, including Habib Elghanian, sent shockwaves through the community.
- Soviet Union (1970s–1980s): Jews faced discrimination, surveillance, and imprisonment. International pressure eventually enabled hundreds of thousands to emigrate to Israel and the United States.
- Argentina (1976–1983): During the military dictatorship, roughly 3,000 Jews were among the 30,000 disappeared.
- Lebanon (1975–1990): Pogrom-like violence and assassinations of Jewish leaders forced most of the community to flee.
- Syria (1970s–1990s): Harassment and surveillance led to mass emigration, culminating in the lifting of travel bans in 1992.
- Ethiopia (1984–1991): Operations Moses and Solomon airlifted thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, escaping persecution.
- Yemen (1990s–2010s): Abductions, forced conversions, and harassment led to the near-total disappearance of Yemen’s Jewish community.
Modern Pogrom-Like Incidents
- Crown Heights Riots (1991, U.S.): Violent riots targeted Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn, resulting in multiple injuries and the murder of Yankel Rosenbaum.
- France (2000s–Present): Rising antisemitic violence, including the 2015 Hypercacher kosher supermarket attack, has driven many French Jews to emigrate.
- Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting (2018, U.S.): The deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, leaving 11 worshippers dead.
- October 7, 2023 (Israel): Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, murdering over 1,200 people and taking hostages. Described as one of the deadliest antisemitic assaults since the Holocaust.
- November 7, 2024 (Amsterdam): Organised violence targeted Israeli football fans, highlighting rising antisemitism in Europe.
These incidents underscore the ongoing vulnerability of Jewish communities worldwide. Many Jews have sought refuge in Israel, reinforcing its role as a haven. However, combating antisemitism requires global cooperation, education, and proactive action.
Why Ronald Lauder’s Speech Matters
During his Auschwitz speech, Lauder underscored the urgent need for education to combat antisemitism. He warned:
“Education is the most powerful tool we have to combat hate. If we fail to educate, we leave the door open for history to repeat itself.”
The Role of Education
Effective education must go beyond historical recollection—it must foster critical thinking, social responsibility, and proactive engagement. Strategies include:
- Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Schools should teach the causes and consequences of mass violence.
- Critical Thinking and Media Literacy: Young people must learn to recognise propaganda and misinformation.
- Community Engagement: Local initiatives can promote tolerance and understanding.
- Survivor Testimonies: Personal stories humanise history, making denial harder.
- Addressing Modern Prejudices: Lessons must connect past and present forms of hatred.
Conclusion: Together, We Will Prevail
Ronald Lauder’s message is a call to action. The fight against antisemitism is ongoing, but through education, advocacy, and collective vigilance, we can push back against hatred.
The word pogrom should belong to history—not the present. Whether it remains a relic of the past or resurfaces in our time depends on the choices we make as a society. It is our actions—or our inaction—that will determine the course of history.
I, for one, refuse to be a bystander.
Michael Scott CSC is the CEO and Founder of the 2023 Foundation, a charity focused on combating antisemitism and fostering peaceful coexistence. He is not Jewish.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the positions of the Australian Defence Force or the Commonwealth Government of Australia.
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