Yom HaShoah in Israel

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a day set aside in Israel to commemorate the approximately six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust as a result of actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. The day is formally known as Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day).

History

The commemoration was established in 1953 with the passage of a law by the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Originally proposed to coincide with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, it was eventually fixed on the 27th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April or May on the Gregorian calendar. This date was selected because it falls after Passover and before Israeli Independence Day.

Traditions

• National Ceremonies: The central state ceremony takes place at Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, in Jerusalem. It includes speeches from political leaders, Holocaust survivors, and religious figures.
• Siren: At 10:00 am on Yom HaShoah, a two-minute siren sounds throughout Israel, during which people stop all activity and stand in silence to pay their respects.
• Flags at Half-Mast: Flags are flown at half-mast throughout the country.
• Educational Programs: Schools hold assemblies and educational sessions about the Holocaust.
• Closure of Entertainment Venues: As a mark of respect, places of entertainment are closed on this day.
• Recitation of Names: In a tradition called "Every Person Has a Name," names of Holocaust victims are recited in public places and Knesset sessions.

What People Do

Individuals across Israel participate by attending ceremonies and visiting memorials. Many engage in personal reflection or tell stories within their family circles about relatives who were affected by the Holocaust. Survivors often share their testimonies with younger generations to ensure that memories are kept alive.