Xavier display remembers start of Holocaust

CINCINNATI - Xavier University wants people to remember the Holocaust and learn from the lessons of broken glass. November 9 is the date connected with the start of the Holocaust. It was that date, 72 years ago, when Nazis launched attacks on Polish Jews living in Germany.

Nazis destroyed Jewish property and burned synogogues. The night of destruction and shattered glass became known as Kristallnacht, or the "night of broken glass". The Nazis realized that the world community did not react to their attack, so the destruction of Jewish communities and the murder of millions ensued.

The community of Xavier does not want the modern day world to turn a deaf ear on other current tragedies. At the university's campus, a public display is available for people to remember the Holocaust and bring attention to other injustices.

The display is from 11a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Gallagher Student Center. Visitors can read some of the names of Holocaust victims and also offer the names from today's tragedies around the globe. Some examples include the suicides of young students who suffered from bullying, sexual violence against women and the genocide in other parts of the world like Darfur.

Visitors of the display will receive a lapel pin affixed with a glass shard.