Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Jan 18, 2024

Honouring the Past, Embracing Love and Unity

On January 27th, OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation commemorates International Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by the Holocaust, including the following generations carrying its profound impacts. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) emphasises the need for remembrance to create a world marked by safety, compassion, and love. In times when our world feels fragile, standing united against prejudice and hatred is paramount.

At OneSpirit, we hold fast to the belief that love can transcend our differences. On this solemn day, we are reminded that we ALL have a role in battling hate and nurturing a harmonious society for everyone. We encourage you to deepen your understanding of HMD and get involved by visiting the Holocaust Memorial Day website.

Today, we honour those individuals impacted by the Holocaust who demonstrated courage in standing against genocide and oppression. We share the inspiring stories of Vali Rácz and Waldemar Nods, whose bravery and compassion saved lives during the Second World War.

Vali Rácz, a talented and popular singer in Hungary, risked her life to save lives during the war. She used her fame to hide five Jewish people and a non-Jewish ‘deserter’ in her home in Budapest, providing them with food and shelter while keeping them hidden from the Gestapo and Hungarian Arrow Cross. Vali’s unwavering determination to protect innocent lives reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and humanity, even in the darkest times. You can read more about Vali’s incredible story on the HMDT website.

Waldemar Nods, a grandson of Surinamese slaves, stood against regressive forces with unwavering courage. Together with his wife, Rika, he provided a haven for Jews during the horrific era of the German occupation. Their tale serves as a reminder to us all that bravery manifests in the face of adversity and their actions embody the values we all try to uphold every day. Learn more about Waldemar and his remarkable life on the HMDT website.

On this Holocaust Memorial Day, let’s come together to light the darkness and honour the lives lost and changed forever by the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to promoting understanding, respect, and unity across all cultures and faiths. This year, join us as we participate in the “Digital Light the Darkness” campaign by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. We encourage our community to tag us in posts where you #LightTheDarkness so we can continue to spread love and peace.

Together, we can bring light where there is darkness, remember those whose lives were forever changed, and take a stand against hate and prejudice. By honouring the past, we can learn its lessons, commit to fostering love and understanding, and work to create a world that embraces the unity of humanity.

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Engaging with the Ebb and Flow of Spirituality

Dive into the heart of a transformative spiritual journey with OneSpirit’s unique Emerging and Live Curriculum, where the learning environment dynamically evolves with each participant's growth and input. Unlike conventional programs, OneSpirit offers an adaptive curriculum that values the contributions and experiences of every student, fostering a collaborative and rich tapestry of wisdom. Here, education is a living, breathing journey, adapting to meet you wherever you are in your spiritual exploration. This approach creates a safe and sacred space for unhindered expression and profound personal development. If you're searching for a spiritually enriching education that grows with you, embracing the fluidity and vibrance of life itself, the OneSpirit experience awaits.

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International Day of Friendship

As the International Day of Friendship approaches, OneSpirit celebrates the power of connections that bridge the divides of race, religion, and nationality. In a world often shadowed by division, this day stands as a beacon of solidarity, understanding, and shared humanity. OneSpirit champions the essence of friendship as a sacred bond, pivotal to its mission of fostering interfaith dialogue and respect for diverse beliefs. This occasion is not only about honouring existing bonds but also about reaching out to create new ones, expanding our understanding and empathy through every new friendship formed. At OneSpirit, we nurture qualities vital for genuine connection—empathy, open-mindedness, and inclusivity—within our courses and community. This Day of Friendship, acknowledge the friends who light your way and open your hearts to forming new bonds, in a collective endeavour to build a world where friendship transcends all barriers, guided by a vision of understanding, respect, and unconditional love.

Governance Framework: Marriage Solemniser/Officiant Registers

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation outlines its governance framework in relation to registers of authorised marriage solemnisers and officiants operating within Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, emphasising adherence to legal requirements. OneSpirit ensures ministers meet criteria such as age and good standing, and ceremonies comply with local laws, alongside maintaining robust internal processes for nominee monitoring and handling complaints. Additionally, the framework supports OneSpirit Ireland (OSI) for nominations in the Republic of Ireland. Highlighting community spirit, the framework also encourages member unity, engagement in communal projects, seasonal spiritual practices, celebration of diversity, and interfaith dialogue to foster understanding and interconnectedness.

A Call for Unity and Support

Lavinia, the Community Development Lead at OneSpirit, extends a warm introduction and expresses her admiration for the community’s sense of unity and support. She reflects on the unique, interconnected nature of the interfaith community, emphasising its collective strength. Currently, she highlights a special request from Martin Nathanael, who is seeking assistance and collaboration from fellow ministers and supporters for a project aimed at benefiting the community. Lavinia encourages members to engage with Martin's initiative, underscoring the importance of their interconnectedness and mutual support.

Embracing the Spirit of Summer Solstice

Embrace the radiant energy of the Summer Solstice, a time marked by ancient traditions and spiritual renewal. This significant period invites the OneSpirit community to indulge in deep reflection, nature immersion, and creative expression. It's an opportunity to celebrate the longest day of the year, acknowledging our inner growth and setting intentions for the journey ahead. Through sunrise and sunset meditations, connecting with nature, and fostering communal bonds, we honour this pivotal moment.

Celebrating Love Today & Everyday

This Pride Month, join OneSpirit in celebrating love's limitless nature. Embrace acts of loving-kindness in our diverse community, honouring each individual's journey with respect, acceptance, and pride. Love transcends boundaries; our support should too.

Spiritual Diversity: Hear from Our Students

Explore the heartfelt spiritual journeys of our OneSpirit students, whose transformative encounters with diverse religious beliefs enlighten and inspire. Each account embodies a shared ethos of respect and acceptance of diverse spiritual paths. As we honour the richness of faith diversity, we extend an invitation to those ready for their own transformative journey.

Enrolment is Officially Open!

Enrolment for OneSpirit’s Spiritual Development and Ministry Training program is open. With over 25 years of experience, it nurtures spiritual growth and leadership, fostering global consciousness, compassion, and interconnectedness in an evolving world.

Interfaith Dialogue

OneSpirit fosters interfaith dialogue,
where individuals from varied faith paths
engage in rich discussions to exchange
wisdom. The aim is to deepen understanding, cultivate peace, and promote
spiritual growth.

Redefining Interfaith: Holistically and Inclusively

We redefine interfaith to be more inclusive, embracing diverse spiritual experiences beyond traditional religions. Their vision fosters unity by honouring individual spirituality, aiming for a compassionate community that celebrates spiritual diversity.