“For the dead and the living. We must bear witness.” — Elie Wiesel
January 27th marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp during World War II.
Since its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, January 27th is observed annually as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. People from all over the world come together on this day to honor, reflect and remember the six million jews, and non-jewish victims who perished in the Holocaust.
Here are ways you can commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day this year:
Watch the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
The ceremony will take place on January 27, 2023 in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, with the theme of "Home and Belonging”.
Attend a Panel Discussion
The UJA Federation New York is hosting a meaningful panel discussion with Nancy Spielberg and Mark Oppenheimer on “The Role of Mass Media in Holocaust Portrayal” on Monday, January 30 at 7:30pm.
Visit Yad Vashem’s Book of Names at the United Nations
Yad Vashem is exhibiting its Book of Names, which consists of 4.8M names of Holocaust victims from its national database. The exhibit will be on display to the public at the United Nations Headquarters through February 17, 2023.
Listen to Historic Music
Enjoy a beautiful musical performance at the Museum of Jewish Heritage featuring the Young People’s Chorus of New York City in “Brundibár,”a historic children’s operetta written by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása. What makes this opera so compelling is that it was performed by the children of the Theresienstadt concentration camp.
Listen to the Stories of Survivors
The United States Holocaust Museum’s award-winning virtual series, Stay Connected Live, will feature a survivor of Auschwitz and museum volunteer, Irene Weiss, who will share stories of her personal experiences in conversation with Historian, Dr. Edna Friedberg. Watch this special episode, entitled The Moment She Lost Her Family Captured in a Photo, live on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
