Misuse of the word ‘Holocaust’ deplorable

I am writing in response to an article by Ann Cahill (Irish Examiner, September 10). In this article Susan Lohan irresponsibly uses the word ‘Holocaust’ as a comparable term in relation to the Church and state abuse in this country.

‘Holocaust’ is one of the few words in the lexicon of the English language that cannot be misinterpreted, where the words can be adapted and used in different contexts and manipulated to suit certain agendas. The word ‘Holocaust’ is a standalone word. To compare the premeditated slaughter, defilement, degradation and stripping of all human dignity of our 6m Jews with institutional abuse, is an insult to the memory of those who perished and those who survived in places such as Auschwitz as well as doing a disservice to those who suffered abuse in this country.

Paul Twomey