Holocaust Remembrance Day

As most may know, Monday, January 27th, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day was created to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. This specific date was chosen, because on January 27th, 1945, Auschwitz-one of the largest concentration camps-was liberated by the Soviet Red Army. The first Holocaust Remembrance Day was celebrated in 2006, in the UN Headquarters of New York City. 

A short summary of the Holocaust

The Holocaust lasted from 1933-1945. It was a period in Germany-occupied Europe, that was mostly controlled by Nazi Germany-and at that time-lead by Adolf Hitler. 

The Holocaust was the mass persecution of many Jews and any individual who went against Hitler’s ideology. Additionally, both this and his invasion of Poland would lead to WWII. This period would end in May of 1945 when Nazi Germany would be defeated by the allied military power of other countries.

Effects and impacts of the Holocaust

In the years following the end of the Holocaust, the survivors found themselves in Displaced Persons camps, which some were in for years. Many victims struggled to go back to their everyday lives. Most survivors had lost their homes and others were scared of returning. Due to the harsh conditions they had suffered, a lot of the survivors developed PTSD and other mental symptoms. 

Why is it important to remember the Holocaust?

The Holocaust was an extremely violent part of history. Remembering the holocaust allows us to understand the past more. Additionally, it also helps us raise awareness on many topics, such as xenophobia and antisemitism. By acknowledging and remembering the Holocaust, it helps us learn to speak up against indifference and to advocate for freedom and equality.