INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

השואה

PHOTO: Children rejoice after liberation from Birkenau death camp on 27 January 1945.

Today is the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 on 1 November 2005. It is important to remember the Holocaust and to honor the victims of the worst genocide imaginable.

"Condemning the Holocaust as the most grave and unprecedented crime against humanity throughout history, taking necessary precautions to prevent genocides in the future and promoting the endeavors to educate new generations are not only a duty of every member state of the UN, but also an obligation to humanity," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. And he is correct.

According to the Institute for the Research of Genocide Canada, "By studying international law and by insisting on its enforcement, in particular, the laws against genocide and other forms of crimes against humanity, we implicitly raise our voices against the Holocaust, genocide, and all forms of injustice wherever it may be manifested."

According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 27 January also marks the date of liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. As you can see from the above picture, which we copied from the USHMM (public domain), children were especially happy to be safe and free. There were 611 Jewish children in the Birkenau camp when it was liberated. Their suffering must not be forgotten.

To commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, please join your local candle-lighting ceremony, or/and teach your friends and loved ones about the importance to "Remember" and the meaning of "Never Again."