Holocaust Remembrance Day

September 9, Tuesday

Holocaust Remembrance Day
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Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as Yom HaShoah, is a solemn day dedicated to commemorating the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims persecuted by the Nazi regime. It is observed primarily in Israel and by Jewish communities around the world. The day serves as a time for reflection, education, and remembrance of the atrocities committed during World War II.

Date of Observance
Yom HaShoah is observed on the 27th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in April or early May in the Gregorian calendar. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, symbolizing Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.

History and Establishment
The Israeli Knesset (parliament) established Yom HaShoah in 1951, and it became a national day of mourning in 1959. The day was created to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust would be preserved and passed down to future generations, and to honor the resilience and courage of survivors and victims alike.

Customs and Observances
On Yom HaShoah, a number of customs are observed:

- **Sirens and Moments of Silence**: In Israel, a two-minute siren sounds across the country at 10:00 AM, during which people stop all activity and stand in silence to honor the victims.
- **Ceremonies and Memorials**: Schools, military bases, and public institutions hold ceremonies that include readings of names, survivor testimonies, prayers, and the lighting of memorial candles.
- **Flags at Half-Mast**: National flags are flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
- **Media Programming**: Television and radio stations often suspend regular programming to broadcast documentaries, interviews with survivors, and educational content related to the Holocaust.

Global Recognition
While Yom HaShoah is primarily observed in Israel and Jewish communities, many countries around the world also hold Holocaust remembrance events. Additionally, the United Nations established International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, to honor all victims of the Holocaust and promote Holocaust education globally.

Educational Significance
Holocaust Remembrance Day plays a crucial role in Holocaust education, aiming to combat denial, distortion, and antisemitism. Schools and institutions often use the day to teach about the historical events of the Holocaust, the dangers of hatred and intolerance, and the importance of standing up against injustice.

Yom HaShoah is not only a day of mourning but also a call to remember the past in order to build a more just and compassionate future.
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Holocaust Remembrance Day in other years

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