Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as Yom HaShoah, is a solemn day dedicated to commemorating the victims and honoring the survivors of the Holocaust. It serves as a global remembrance of the six million Jews, along with millions of other individuals, who were systematically persecuted and killed by the Nazis during World War II. The observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day has a significant history, which I’ll outline below:
1. Origins in Israel:
The establishment of Holocaust Remembrance Day began in Israel in the aftermath of World War II. The Jewish community in Israel felt a profound need to remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust, particularly as survivors immigrated to the newly formed state. Initially, memorial events were organized independently, but a unified day of remembrance was sought.
2. The Knesset’s Role:
On April 12, 1951, the Israeli Parliament, known as the Knesset, passed the “Yom HaShoah Ve-Hagevurah Law,” officially designating the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan as Yom HaShoah. This date corresponds to the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which was a significant act of Jewish resistance against the Nazis in 1943. Yom HaShoah became a national holiday in Israel.
3. Global Recognition:
The recognition and observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day gradually spread beyond Israel. Jewish communities worldwide embraced the importance of remembering the Holocaust and commemorating its victims. Various countries established their own Holocaust Remembrance Days, often aligning with Israel’s Yom HaShoah or selecting dates that held particular significance within their own historical contexts.
4. United Nations Resolution:
In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to establish International Holocaust Remembrance Day. January 27th was chosen as the official date to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The UN resolution urged member states to develop educational programs and initiatives to prevent future acts of genocide.
5. Observance and Commemoration:
Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked by a range of commemorative activities and events worldwide. These may include memorial services, candle lighting ceremonies, survivor testimonies, exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, educational programs, and interfaith gatherings. It serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and promoting education about the Holocaust and its significance in history.
6. Continued Relevance:
The observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day remains as relevant as ever. As the number of Holocaust survivors decreases with time, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their stories and ensure that the memory of the Holocaust is not forgotten. The day serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed and underscores the need to combat antisemitism, discrimination, and all forms of hatred.
Holocaust Remembrance Day stands as a powerful reminder of the darkest chapter in human history. It is a time to honor the victims, pay tribute to the survivors, educate future generations, and strive for a world where such horrors are never repeated.
For more information on Holocaust Remembrance day including educational materials please visit the ZACHOR Foundation at zachorfoundation.org
