Today and every January 27th, we honor the victims of the Holocaust and recognize the importance of remembering their stories. International Holocaust Remembrance Day was officially established by the United Nations in 2005, making it one of the newest international holidays. Here are 6 facts about International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

1. Where did the date come from?

The date of International Holocaust Remembrance Day was chosen to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, which occurred on January 27th 1945. This date is also significant because it marks one of the few instances during World War II when a large group of Jews were liberated from a concentration camp and survived to tell their stories.

2. The observance is commemorated in a variety of ways

The day is observed with ceremonies, educational programs, and memorial services around the world. In some countries, there are official ceremonies held in recognition of Holocaust victims, including Israel’s Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Germany’s Days of Remembrance for Victims of National Socialism.

3. The U.N. has caused Holocaust education to grow globally

The United Nations General Assembly has declared that all member states will “develop educational programmes to instill the remembrance of this tragedy in future generations in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide” on this day each year.

4. The official U.S. commemoration is in April

The United States Congress designated April 16 as “Days Of Remembrance Of Victims Of The Holocaust” in 1979 and holds an annual national observance each April at the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington DC.

5. Holocaust education has been developed online

Various organizations have created online archives or other tools so that survivors can share their stories with people around the world on International Holocaust Remembrance Day as well as throughout the year. One such project is Yad Vashem – The World Center for Holocaust Research Documentation and Education – which works to preserve testimonies from survivors through video recordings and written accounts so that they will never be forgotten or denied.

6. It’s not just a day of mourning

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day we remember those who perished during one of history’s darkest hours but also celebrate those who survived and have gone on to build new lives despite overwhelming odds against them with hope for a brighter future ahead for all mankind.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as an important reminder that we should never forget our past mistakes if we want a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations alike—a reminder to always stand up for what is right despite hatred and prejudice that may stand in our way. We must continue learning from history so we can ensure it is never repeated again anywhere in the world. It is only then that we can truly honor those who were lost .

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