The U.S. and the Holocaust is a three-part, six hour series over on the BBC, that examines America’s response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century.
Americans consider themselves a “nation of immigrants,” but as the catastrophe of the Holocaust unfolded in Europe, the United States proved unwilling to open its doors to more than a fraction of the people seeking refuge.
Through firsthand testimony of witnesses and survivors, this series delves deeply into the tragic consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape and restrictive quota laws.
It also begs serious answers to the questions; what is to be done in times of global crisis? And, have any lessons since been learned? Speaking direct to power, The U.S and the Holocaust shows audiences where some in the West are now going wrong and where others are getting it right.
LEARNING FROM THE PAST. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Refugees who have fled the Ukraine war have suffered traumatic experiences – among them are also Afghan, Iraqi and Syrian refugees who have had to escape yet another war. Psychologists and social workers say counselling for these people is crucial.
In Germany, psychologists and therapists warned of possible "dramatic consequences" as a result of war, and having learned from the 2015 migrant crisis stated; "we need to have a long-term view and make sure that people receive psychological care for what they have been through."
The problem has not escaped the attention of the UN migration agency, whose director general said; "there is an urgent need for trained psychologists", especially those who understand the languages of people fleeing countries in crisis.
Anna Potapola fled the city of Dnipro in the Ukraine and is now safely in Poland. Yet she and her family have very real fears. "When we had to leave Ukraine my children asked me, 'Will we survive?'..."I am also afraid and scared for the people left behind," the mother of two told the AP news agency last year.
Since 1991, the British based AMAR International Charitable Foundation has been working on the ground in countries which have been hit by war and displacement. By employing local people, the AMAR Foundation also safeguards the welfare of people in their care by keeping all staff trained in modern practices and all medical staff trained to World Health Organization standards.
Across Romania, AMAR are safeguarding the welfare of disabled children, while also assisting children with disabilities, who have fled fighting in the Ukraine. Since the start of the crisis, support has poured in but AMAR still need your help meeting the immediate needs of refugees, while safeguarding their long-term physical and psychological wellbeing.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27th January. You can learn more about the Holocaust at the Auschwitz Museum and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. You can also develop your understanding at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.
.jpg)
0 Comments