Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance

Join us in remembering the people and communities who suffered intolerance, harassment, and violence at the hands of the Nazi German regime in what is remembered as The Holocaust.

The Holocaust (1933–1945) is known for the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and genocide by the Nazi regime of more than six million European Jews (nearly 2 out of every 3).

What is less well known is that the Nazi devotion to racial purity led to the targeting of not only Jewish people but Roma, Sinti (known as Gypsies), Russian, Polish, Black and people with Asiatic features as well.

In addition, the Nazi regime also persecuted other populations that they deemed to be inferior such as people with physical or mental disabilities, LGBTQ+ populations, the poor or homeless, those with addictions and sex workers.

Included in the mass genocide were groups that held beliefs not aligning with Nazi philosophy such as political opponents, trade unionists and social democrats and those considered to be “ideologically dangerous” such as intellectuals, pacifists, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Catholic Priests.

Sadly, the violence and persecution that the communities faced, did not end in 1945 with the end of The Holocaust; violent antisemitism and hatred continue to this day in Europe, the United States and the Middle East, and are on the rise. 

We will observe a day of remembrance around the world during a period of time called Yom HaShoah on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Yom HaShoah translates as “Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day.” Recognizing the atrocities of our past on this important day is one way we can begin to counter current and prevent future persecution. 

Ways you can remember the victims and communities during Yom HaShoah:

• Visit one of the 58 Holocaust Museums in the USA – either in person or virtually.   https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/u-s-holocaust-museums-memorials
• Read a personal story from the museum websites or the links below and share this information with someone you know.
• Observe a minute of silence and remembrance for those who were persecuted.
• Light a candle in remembrance.

Sources and additional links for more information:

The United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum https://perspectives.ushmm.org/  or the homepage at: https://www.ushmm.org/

The National Archives https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/holocaust-remembrance-day

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust https://www.hmd.org.uk/learn-about-the-holocaust-and-genocides/nazi-persecution/