Hatred Grows Where Silence Thrives — Bishop

Country Director of the Africa–Israel Initiative (AII) Nigeria, Bishop Sally William-Chinebu, has warned that hatred flourishes in societies where silence is tolerated, stressing that Holocaust remembrance remains a moral duty for nations and peoples committed to peace, justice and human dignity.

The bishop said this in a statement to mark the 2026 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed globally on January 27, noting that the Holocaust remains one of the darkest chapters in human history and a lasting warning against unchecked hatred and institutionalised discrimination.

She recalled that between 1939 and 1945, six million Jews, alongside millions of others including Roma, persons with disabilities, political dissidents and minorities, were systematically persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime, adding that the tragedy did not occur suddenly but was the result of prolonged intolerance, dehumanisation and the silence of the international community.

According to her, Holocaust remembrance is not about revisiting suffering but about honouring the victims, affirming the resilience of survivors and reinforcing humanity’s collective responsibility to prevent a recurrence.

“Silence in the face of hatred is never an option,” William-Chinebu said, stressing that history has shown how hate speech, ethnic scapegoating and state-sponsored dehumanisation can escalate into mass violence when left unchallenged.

She noted that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant in a world still grappling with terrorism, insurgency, ethnic conflicts, religious extremism and rising antisemitism, describing remembrance as a moral compass for global peace and security.

The bishop added that sustainable peace is anchored not only on treaties and military strength but on shared values such as respect for human dignity, protection of minorities, interfaith understanding and the rule of law.

William-Chinebu said the Africa–Israel Initiative believes that Holocaust remembrance strengthens global resolve against genocide, promotes intercultural dialogue and encourages cooperation among nations to prevent crimes against humanity.

She explained that by remembering the past, societies are better equipped to protect the future and guard against the consequences of intolerance and indifference.

The bishop also noted that in line with the international community, the United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honour the victims and reaffirm the world’s shared resolve against genocide, antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

She added that the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, in collaboration with partners, was marking the occasion with commemorative activities aimed at reinforcing the values of remembrance, education and moral responsibility.

William-Chinebu said AII Nigeria joins the United Nations and the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria in speaking with “one clear and united message” against hatred, genocide and the dehumanisation of any people, insisting that “Never Again must be more than a slogan; it must be a global commitment.”