International Holocaust Remembrance Day is on Jan. 27, marking about 75 years since the tragedy itself. Though it happened decades ago, it is crucial to acknowledge the nearly six million Jewish individuals killed because of the Nazi regime.
Paying tribute, the UNESCO–or the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization–fights to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance on this day (UNESCO International Days).
Jan. 27 is important because on this day, the biggest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz, was taken over by soldiers fighting against the Germans; later, these soldiers freed all living, imprisoned people.
“Holocaust Remembrance Day is important so we can remember what happened, not only the tragedies, but also the resilience of people who survived,” JSA leader Emily Marks ’24 said.
We observe Holocaust Remembrance Day to recognize the lost lives and learn the stories of people who survived. In observation, it is important to both educate ourselves on the Jewish religion and spread awareness of their community.
In addition, we must continue to dispute all intolerance and violence, especially antisemitism and racism. We must respect all peoples of all identities. On this day, we understand and educate ourselves and others about “Never Again,” and the phrase’s true significance with respect to the lessons of the Holocaust.
The GA community plans to commemorate this day with a poetry reading and a speaker who will share their experience surviving the Holocaust. It is always important that our environment is full of support for all students, from all backgrounds.
To provide this safe space in relation to the Jewish community, education is key. “Educating people on the Jewish holidays can help people learn more about Judaism,” Marks said.
Simply understanding the identities of all people in our environment can create a safer space. Every identity has its own culture, and the depth of cultural involvement in each individual is important to learn. There can always be more support to give; it is limitless.
With Holocaust Remembrance Day coming up, GA can provide information on the Jewish religion: holidays, traditions, and the “resilience of their community,” JSA leader Lucy Fassler ’24 said.