National Holocaust Remembrance Day

Group of diverse individuals, embracing each other, lighting memorial candles in a serene park setting.. — National holocaust remembrance day illustration

Buckle up, history buffs and commemoration connoisseurs! We're journeying into the realm of remembrance, spotlighting a day that grandly touches hearts worldwide - National Holocaust Remembrance Day. While there isn't much room for frivolity on this somber occasion, we promise to make this a meaningful and respectful journey.

When is Holocaust Remembrance Day?

It's national holocaust remembrance day on the 28th January.

The Journey of National Holocaust Remembrance Day on Internet

With a whopping 2223 mentions online (Yes, we counted! From viral tweets to heartfelt blog posts), National Holocaust Remembrance Day has resonated with the digital world, acknowledging the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. A significant peak in this digital acknowledgment came on 28th January 2020. Now, we still aren't certain if that's because of a particularly touching meme or perhaps a post from a history influencer. Whatever the reason, the powerful impact of this day definitely flooded the interwebs!

Behind the Screens: The Day's Concept

Paying tribute to victims and survivors, National Holocaust Remembrance Day is unique, to say the least. Not only does it open up discussions around the Holocaust phenomenon, but it enlightens and educates us about the atrocities that occurred during World War II. And while it's not exactly a 'fun' fact to mention, it's a day that stands out in its mission to enhance awareness about history, ensuring we don't repeat our past mistakes.

Who knew...the Power of Virtual Candles!

One of the most touching traditions of this day is the online candle-lighting ceremony, where people light virtual candles in memory of the victims, sparking a digital flame of remembrance. It's a poignant way that technology has enabled us to embrace history while promoting universal empathy.

History behind the term 'Holocaust Remembrance'

1945

The End of World War II

The term 'holocaust remembrance' originates in 1945, following the end of World War II. The Holocaust, referring to the systematic persecution and genocide of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime, was revealed as one of the greatest atrocities in human history. As the war came to a close, the world began to grapple with the immense loss and devastation inflicted upon Jewish communities.

1950

Establishment of Holocaust Remembrance Day

In 1950, the Israeli government instituted Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, to honor the victims of the Holocaust. Yom HaShoah falls on the 27th day of the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which generally corresponds to April or May in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day of commemoration and reflection, during which people remember the victims of the Holocaust and pay tribute to those who perished.

1953

The Eichmann Trial

One significant event that contributed to the widespread recognition and understanding of the Holocaust was the trial of Adolf Eichmann in 1961. Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official responsible for orchestrating the deportation of Jews to concentration camps, was captured by Israeli intelligence agents in Argentina and subsequently brought to trial in Jerusalem. The detailed accounts of Eichmann's involvement in the Holocaust served as a stark reminder and prompted discussions about collective responsibility and the importance of remembrance.

1978

United Nations Holocaust Remembrance Resolution

In 1978, the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution establishing the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, observed annually on January 27th. This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The UN resolution aimed to ensure that future generations would remember the Holocaust and learn from the horrors of the past.

2005

75th Anniversary of Kristallnacht

The 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, in 2005 highlighted the continued importance of Holocaust remembrance. Kristallnacht, a series of coordinated attacks against Jews throughout Nazi Germany and Austria in 1938, marked a turning point in the escalation of anti-Semitic policies. The anniversary served as a reminder of the dangers of bigotry and intolerance, inspiring renewed efforts to educate and commemorate the Holocaust.

Did you know?

Here's a soft fact for you. Every year, The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C encourages people to light virtual candles online on National Holocaust Remembrance Day, truly proving that love and respect glow, even in the digital realm.