Yom HaShoah in the United States

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed annually to remember and honor the six million Jews and millions of other victims who perished in the Holocaust. The day is marked by various ceremonies and educational programs that aim to educate people about the Holocaust and to promote the message of "Never Again."

History:

• Establishment: Yom HaShoah was established by the Israeli government in 1953 and falls on the 27th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which usually corresponds to April or May.
• U.S. Recognition: In the United States, it is not a federal holiday but is widely recognized by Jewish communities, institutions, and many non-Jewish groups.
• Days of Remembrance: The U.S. Congress established Days of Remembrance as a national commemoration from the Sunday before Yom HaShoah through the following Sunday, with special observances led by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

Traditions:

1. Ceremonies and Services: Synagogues and Jewish communities often hold memorial services that include lighting candles for each of the six million Jews who died, reciting prayers such as Kaddish (a Jewish prayer for mourners), and reading names of victims.

2. Educational Programs: Schools and community centers may host educational events featuring survivors' testimonies or lectures on Holocaust history.

3. Moments of Silence: A moment of silence may be observed at 10 a.m. local time to reflect upon the lives lost.

4. Reading of Names: Some communities participate in reading names of Holocaust victims continuously throughout Yom HaShoah.

5. Cultural Events: Exhibitions, film screenings, book readings, or performances relating to the Holocaust are often organized.

6. Holocaust Museums: Visits to Holocaust museums or memorials can be part of personal or organized remembrance activities.

7. Social Media: Individuals may use social media platforms to share stories or historical facts about the Holocaust.

8. Yellow Star: Some people wear yellow stars reminiscent of those Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule as a symbol of remembrance.

Yom HaShoah serves as a somber reminder for individuals across the United States to remember those who suffered during one of history's darkest periods and reflects an ongoing commitment to fight against