“To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time”
Ellie Wiesel, Night
This month will see the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp by Soviet forces. As a way to remember the mass loss of life during the Holocaust, the United Nations has designated January 27 of each year as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. While Jews the world over reflect and remember the 6 million Jewish lives lost during Yom HaShoah, the rest of the world takes this time to remember what extreme hatred and xenophobia can do. We remember to pay tribute to the millions of human beings brutally murdered by the Nazis. We remember to heal, repair, and rebuild the devastation committed during the Holocaust. We remember so that such atrocity does not happen again.
In a time of misinformation and disinformation, our remembrance is essential to keeping the lessons learned as a result of the Holocaust at the forefront of our minds and ensuring that the victims did not lose their lives in vain. This is why we must take this time every year to honor the victims of the Holocaust as we seek to repair the generations of trauma the Holocaust inflicted on so many people.
The Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial (CDJHM) is committed to honoring the lives of the fallen and ensuring that future generations continue to learn the hard truths of a time when humanity was at its lowest. As philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This serves as a solemn reminder that remembering the Holocaust is not only about paying tribute to the victims but also about safeguarding the future. By understanding and reflecting on the darkest chapters of history, we equip younger generations with the knowledge and empathy needed to challenge hate, foster tolerance, and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
The mission of the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial is to memorialize the six million Jews and countless other victims of the Holocaust, ensuring that their stories are preserved and shared with future generations. By educating the public about the devastating consequences of hatred, brutality, and apathy, the Memorial seeks to foster a world rooted in empathy, understanding, and vigilance against intolerance. Through remembrance and education, we honor the lives lost and reaffirm our commitment to a just and inclusive future.
Every dollar donated will help us continue to educate our community about the Holocaust.
This Remembrance Day, we invite you to pay tribute with intentionality and reaffirm your commitment to eradicating antisemitism and bigotry throughout the State of New York and the country at large. Find a time in your day when you can sit in silent remembrance to honor the victims and explore the recommended educational resources listed below.
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