The United Nations marked “International Holocaust Remembrance Day” on January 27, 2022 to honour six million Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Key Points

• The day also honour millions of other victims of Nazism.
• During the observance, UN urges every member state to develop educational programs in a bid to prevent future genocides.

Theme of the day

The theme of “International Holocaust Remembrance Day” 2022 is “Memory, Dignity and Justice”. The theme provides for safeguarding historical record, remembering victims, and challenging distortion of history, which is often expressed in contemporary antisemitism. It also encourages action to challenge hatred, champion compassion and strengthen solidarity.

Activities by UN

• The UN organises Holocaust commemorative and educational activities in a bid to draw attention towards actions taken by survivors for reclaiming their rights, cultural heritage & traditions, history, and their dignity.
• UN Chamber Music Society also perform a virtual concert in memory of the victims. The concert includes a classical music programme featuring Jewish composers and special performances of musicians from West–Eastern Divan Orchestra.
• A virtual seminar “Legacy of Medicine During the Holocaust and its Contemporary Relevance” was also presented for catalysing critical thinking on relevance of the Holocaust for contemporary medicine.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international Memorial Day, observed on January 27 every year. The day commemorates the victims of Holocaust. The Holocaust had resulted in murder of one third of Jewish people and countless members of other minorities during 1933-1945 by Nazi Germany. January 27 was chosen to commemorate the day, as on this date, Red Army had liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.

What is Holocaust?

Holocaust is also known as the Shoah. It was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. During 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany murdered around six million Jews in German-occupied Europe. Murders were carried out in pogroms and mass shootings.

By: Brijesh Kumar