3 WAYS TO HONOR VICTIMS ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
The Holocaust is an event many of us had a brief introduction to in school. A day or two of lessons and a short video on the tragedy. As adults, we realize the impact this event had on millions of people and the importance of the history. However, something you may not have been taught about is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Below, we're breaking down the meaning behind the day and providing you with three simple ways to honor those whose lives were lost.Suggested read: Charles Osgood Legendary Broadcaster, Army Vet Dies at 91
What Is International Holocaust Remembrance Day?
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is the one day out of the year dedicated to the six million Jewish victims who were murdered during the Nazi regime. The Holocaust took place from 1933 to 1945. Antisemitism, the prejudice against Jews, is the main reason behind the murders.These innocent people were murdered in multiple ways, the two main ways being gas chambers and mass shootings. They also made sure these people had no access to proper shelter, food, medical care or water. Roughly 2.7 million Jews were murdered at killing centers, 2 million in mass shootings, 1 million in concentration camps, and 250,000 in acts of violence. The Nazis did not only kill Jewish people but also Soviet prisoners of war, Romani gypsies, people with disabilities, people who identified as homosexual, and many others.You may be wondering, when is International Holocaust Remembrance Day? Every year, Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27th. In fact, this day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Related read: Tibor Rubin: Only Medal of Honor Recipient to Survive the Holocaust
Ways To Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day
1. Learning About the Holocaust
The best way to honor the victims is learning about the Holocaust. So, visiting the Holocaust Museum D.C. will provide first hand learning. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will teach about genocide, antisemitism, and all of the survivors and victims.Not only does the museum teach about the Holocaust, but it also raises awareness of the dangers of unmonitored hatred and preventing genocide. However, if you can't make it to the museum by International Holocaust Remembrance Day, you can visit the website to learn more from home.
2. Candle Lighting
At the memorial museum and other sites around the US, you will learn facts such as how many people died in the Holocaust. During Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024, the names of the innocent victims will be read aloud as candles are lit in their honor. Six candles are lit each year in memory of the six million Holocaust victims. Thus, candle lighting ceremonies around the United States honor those who lost their dreams, hopes, lives, and families during this tragedy.
3. Teaching Others About the Tragedy
Another way to honor victims is to teach others about the event. Whether you can teach a friend, your children or a bigger audience, your impact will make a difference. During this International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 join us in brushing up your history facts, reading names, lighting candles, and pay your respects to the victims. You can also visit the Holocaust encyclopedia for in depth articles teaching about the Holocaust.
Don't Miss The 2024 Commemoration
If you find yourself in Washington, D.C. be sure to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to learn more about the Holocaust and to remember those who have passed. This is one great way to mark the day. For those who live outside of Washington, you can catch a special episode of the Museum's Stay Connected virtual series. The commemoration episode airs Friday, January 26, at 1 p.m. It will feature remarks from Tova Friedman, who will be talking about surviving Auschwitz and the prevalence of antisemitism today. Don't worry if you can't tune in for the episode premiere. You can watch the episode on-demand and on the Museum's YouTube page. Don't forget to join in on social media using the hashtag #HolocaustRemembranceDay.Read Next: Israeli Airstrike Kills 5 Iranian Advisers, Numbers Are Climbing