Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.

On April 12, 1951, Israel's parliament proclaimed Yom Hashoah U'Mered HaGetaot (Holocaust and Ghetto Revolt Remembrance Day) to be held on the 27th of Nissan, which falls on April 21st this year.  The name was later changed to Yom Hashoah Ve Hagevurah (Devastation and Heroism Day) and is now currently shortened to Yom Hashoah. 

Yom Hashoah was declared a national public holiday in 1959 in Israel.  In 1961 a law passed that closed all public entertainment on Yom Hashoah.

Yom Hashoah is generally observed with the lighting of six candles to represent the six million, speakers, prayer, and singing. 

I encourage you to find out what is going on in your community today for Yom Hashoah and to participate, listen, learn, and remember.

Here are some links on the Holocaust and Yom Hashoah.  

J.Danger