Holocaust victims refer to individuals who suffered and perished during the Holocaust, which was the systematic genocide of approximately six million Jews, along with millions of other individuals, including Romani people, disabled individuals, political dissidents, and members of other persecuted groups, by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. Holocaust victims were subjected to widespread persecution, discrimination, dehumanization, and ultimately murder.
The term "holocaust" originates from the Greek word "holokauston," meaning "a completely burned sacrifice." In the context of this tragic historical event, it symbolizes the extensive loss of human lives, destruction, and annihilation. Holocaust victims faced various forms of persecution, including displacement, forced labor, starvation, medical experiments, torture, humiliation, and mass executions.
The victims of the Holocaust encompassed a wide range of individuals, including men, women, and children of different nationalities, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Jewish individuals were the primary targets of the Nazi regime's genocidal campaign. However, millions of others were also targeted based on their race, political beliefs, disabilities, sexual orientation, or for simply opposing the Nazi ideology.
Holocaust victims are often remembered and honored in order to raise awareness about the atrocities committed during this dark period of history. Memorials and museums exist worldwide to commemorate those who suffered and died and to educate future generations about the importance of tolerance, respect, and the defense of human rights to ensure such horrors are never repeated.
