"Never Again"

The above expression is commonly used among Jewish people as a focus of their converstion or as a way of saying goodbye. God's covenant people are expressing to each other their determination to "never again" allow the atrocities of the Holocaust or similar events.

The following story illustrates such an event in which numerous countries refused to help the Jewish people in their time of need. Before Hitler began his genocide campaign, the Jews were pressured to leave Germany. In the spring of 1939, with little money or clothing, 930 Jewish refugees boarded an ocean liner called M.S. St. Louis. The initial destination for the ship was Cuba. Upon arriving at their destination, the Jews found that the Cuban authorities were not so kind. The Cuban authorities turned away 907 of the refugees.

The next destination was the coastline of Florida with high expectations of God's covenant people. However, to her shame, America also turned her back on these needy people. President Roosevelt refused to intervene on behalf of those 907 Jewish refugees. When the Jewish passengers were told that the American people had refused to give them asylum, panic gripped their hearts.

After being refused entry to America, the St. Louis sailed to Canada, only to be denied refuge once again. Anti-semitism was flourishing even in the office of Mackenzie King, the Prime Minister of Canada.

As a last resort, the St. Louis sailed near the coast of England. Finally, the countries of Britain, Belgium, Holland and France agreed to give asylum to the Jewish passengers. On the surface, this appeared to be the solution for the refugees. However, shortly thereafter, Hitler's armies conquered Belgium, Holland and France resulting in 600 of the 907 refugees perishing in concentration camps.

The St. Louis event and the Holocaust itself plus many other similar events are the reason the Jewish people are determined to "Never Again" allow similar events to happen. Are we willing as supporters of Israel and the Jewish people to "Never Again" allow similiar events to happen now or in the future? Continue Praying!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You In His Care This Day And Each Day,

Frank