IHRC Calls for Boycott of Holocaust Memorial Day

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is spearheading a campaign urging local councils and organizations to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) unless the ongoing situation in Gaza is recognized as a genocide. The IHRC's stance, which they claim addresses a hierarchy of genocides, has faced substantial backlash, with critics arguing that it undermines the memory of the Holocaust and insults the victims of this historical atrocity. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, condemned the boycott as a cynical attempt to draw false parallels between the Holocaust and current events, emphasizing that the commemoration should focus on honoring the six million Jewish victims and the unique nature of the Holocaust. The campaign coincides with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a pivotal moment in Holocaust history. The IHRC's actions have raised concerns about their connections to extremist groups and their intent to politicize historical memory. Overall, the controversy highlights a deepening divide in contemporary discussions surrounding genocide and remembrance.