Mayor Finkham advocates for Holocaust remembrance and action against hate in Carmel

Carmel's Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony 2025, held at The Tarkington, emphasized the importance of remembering the past while taking action against hatred in the present. Mayor Finkham, unable to attend in person, delivered a heartfelt message highlighting the stories of Holocaust survivors and the moral obligation to keep their memories alive. She urged the community to recognize that the Holocaust began with words and propaganda, warning against the dangers of silence in the face of bigotry.

The mayor's remarks resonated deeply, especially in light of the recent rise in antisemitism and hate crimes. She called for a commitment to truth and justice, advocating for Holocaust education in schools and encouraging individuals to challenge hateful rhetoric whenever encountered. "Let us honor the memory of those lost by building a world worthy of their memory," she stated, reinforcing the idea that "never again" must be a promise upheld through daily actions.

Following the mayor's message, Graham Honecker, co-author of "A Blessing Not a Burden," shared the story of his friend Alex Koehr, the son of Holocaust survivors. Honecker's narrative underscored the importance of personal stories in understanding the impact of prejudice and the resilience of the human spirit. He highlighted Alex's journey and the lessons learned from his parents' experiences, emphasizing that these stories serve as living memorials to the strength of humanity.

The ceremony served not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a call to action for the Carmel community. It reinforced the need for vigilance against hate and the importance of fostering a culture of understanding and respect. As the community reflects on these messages, the commitment to uphold human dignity and protect the vulnerable remains a shared responsibility.