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Holocaust Remembrance Day

Israeli holiday
Also known as: Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoa, Yom ha-Shoʾah, Yom ha-Zhikaron la-Shoʾah ve la-Gevurah(Show More)

Quick Summary

Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, is an Israeli holiday observed on the 27th of Nisan (in April or May) to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime's genocidal policies. It also honors acts of resistance during that period and promotes efforts against hatred and antisemitism.1

While some Jewish communities prefer to incorporate Holocaust remembrance into existing mourning days like Tisha b'Av, Yom HaShoah was established in Israel in 1951 as a distinct day of solemn remembrance. Observances include a nationwide siren that halts activity for two minutes, community gatherings, and special programming on media outlets. In the Jewish Diaspora, traditions include lighting memorial candles and reciting prayers. The United Nations also observes January 27th as the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.1

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