National Holocaust Remembrance Day
October 9, Thursday
History of the holiday
Romania, as a country with a rich Jewish heritage, actively participates in international initiatives to commemorate Holocaust victims. National Holocaust Remembrance Day was established to remind society of the tragic events of 1940–1944, when tens of thousands of people were subjected to deportation, violence, and mass killings.
Significance of the holiday
The purpose of National Holocaust Remembrance Day is to:
* preserve the historical memory of the Holocaust;
* honor the memory of the deceased;
* educate the younger generation about the values of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights;
* oppose manifestations of anti-Semitism and discrimination.
Traditions
On this day in Romania:
* official ceremonies of laying wreaths and flowers at Holocaust memorials are held;
* educational programs in schools and universities about the events of World War II take place;
* exhibitions and lectures in history museums dedicated to Jewish culture and the tragedy of the Holocaust are organized;
* public events with reading of victims’ names and moments of silence are conducted;
* thematic publications appear in the media and on social networks.
Interesting facts
* Romania has several museums and memorials dedicated to the Holocaust, including the Holocaust Memorial Center in Bucharest.
* Holocaust Remembrance Day coincides with international initiatives aimed at preserving historical truth and combating the forgetting of the tragedy.