Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 Pledge

On Holocaust Memorial Day 2012, people across the world will be choosing to make their voice heard by taking inspiration from the past. As part of your action for Speak Up, Speak Out you can make a pledge to challenge the language of hatred and commit to using words which reflect respect for the dignity of those around you.

Pledges:

As part of my commitment to ending the language of hatred,
I will:

remember those whose lives have been destroyed through hatred and exclusion in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur

challenge the language of hatred when I hear it and never use it myself

carefully consider how I use my voice and will tell others how I feel in a way that does not harm or offend, whether I am speaking, online or in writing

give voice to the voiceless and use my words to draw attention to the experiences of others

work with my friends, family, colleagues and my community to create a society which is free from the dangers of persecution and hatred

I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

- Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor