Historical & Current Events dictionary

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

[ in-ter-nash-uh-nl hol-uh-kawst ri-mem-bruhns dey ]

What is International Holocaust Remembrance Day?

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day established by the United Nations for the purpose of commemorating and remembering the victims of the Holocaust.

The day is distinct from other observances related to World War II (such as those marking significant events in the war or honoring veterans) in that it specifically devoted to remembering the victims of the Holocaust: six million Jews (including 1.5 million Jewish children) and millions of others. In addition to targeting the Jews for extermination, the Nazis also systematically murdered members of many other ethnic, social, and political groups, including prisoners of war, Communists, the Roma people, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day often involves educational and other events focused on the commemoration of victims, the prevention of genocide, and efforts to combat Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism.

The week during which the day falls is observed as Holocaust Remembrance Week.

🗓 When is International Holocaust Remembrance Day?

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is always observed on January 27.

Related words

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Jewish American Heritage Month

Where does International Holocaust Remembrance Day come from?

Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, blue filter
BERLIN, GERMANY - MAR 25, 2019: Holocaust Memorial in Berlin Mitte in Germany

International Holocaust Remembrance Day was made an official observance by the United Nations in 2005 through a resolution that established January 27 as an “International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.”

The date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the day in 1945 that the prisoners of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp were liberated by forces of the Soviet Union.

Examples of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust will not be forgotten. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day may we remember and honor them this day and every day.
@chrisronayne, January 27, 2021
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, #WeRemember the millions of Jews and other people murdered by the Nazi regime. Anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate are real and rising – we must use every tool we have to defeat them.
@SenWarren, January 27, 2021
As countries around the world observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Wednesday, online events will replace large gatherings at the Jewish genocide’s major sites of remembrance.
Matt Lebovic, The Times of Israel, January 26, 2021
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