With so much unrest in the world, Yom Hashoah – also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day – has a heightened importance for the Jewish community this year.
"As a third-generation survivor, observing Yom Hashoah is a deeply personal and poignant reminder of my family's history as Holocaust survivors,” said the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council Director Jason Holtzman. “It serves as a solemn tribute to the six million lives lost, a testament to their enduring memory, and a call to action to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. It is a day to reflect on the past, honor the resilience of the human spirit, and recommit ourselves to combating hatred and intolerance wherever it may arise."
As the commemorative day approaches on the evening of Sunday, May 5, through Monday, May 6, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is offering several opportunities for the community to mourn and remember the atrocities of the past and recommit themselves to action to ensure history does not repeat itself for the Jewish people.
The Diary of Anne Frank
April 19 - May 4 | Various Times
Players Club of Swarthmore
In honor of Yom Hashoah, watch the harrowing story on stage of a young girl's life in hiding during the Holocaust. Based on the book, the Jewish Federation is proud to co-sponsor the Players Club of Swarthmore's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank." To learn more and get your ticket, click here.
60th Annual Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony
Sunday, May 5 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza
For six decades, Greater Philadelphia has shown up each year to say Never Again at our Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony to observe Yom HaShoah. Join the 60th annual ceremony as part of this vital tradition to ensure that we Never Forget the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah and that we continue to honor the survivors living in our communities. Hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council, Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Philadelphia, Holocaust Awareness Museum, Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and 3GPhilly, the ceremony will include candle lighting, music, and prayers. To register, click here.
Community Yom Hashoah Service
Sunday, May 5 | 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Old York Road Temple-Beth Am
Join the Jewish Federation’s Old York Road Kehillah and community partners to hear from George Marcus, a Holocaust survivor, who will share his family’s poignant experiences during Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass.” A Ma’ariv Service will be led by Rabbi Hazzan Howard K. Glantz. Participants can also view the Holocaust exhibit: The Gilbert Tabby z”l Collection of Jewish Life in Europe Under Nazi Rule before or after the program. To register, click here.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to ensuring that the history of the Holocaust is understood and never forgotten. To learn more about Holocaust education and programming, click here.