- April 24, 2025
- 12:24 am
- Israel
Today (April 23, 2025) evening and tomorrow, Israel will come to a halt to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and the heroes of resistance. This is an important moment for every Jewish family, especially for those who survived the tragedy and whose lives will forever be linked to the memory of the horrors experienced by the Jewish people.
Yom HaShoah: Remembering the Six Million Victims
On the evening of April 23, 2025, Israel will begin Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Day of Heroism. On this day, the entire country remembers the tragic events that claimed the lives of six million Jews, simply because they were Jews. The memory of each of them will be revived through symbolic actions and ceremonies. NAnews reminds us that Yom HaShoah is a special date for Israel, chosen to commemorate the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto, a symbol of courage and resistance.
That evening, in Yad Vashem, an official ceremony will be held where six torches will be lit in memory of the victims, with representatives of the government and survivors joining. Starting at 10:00 a.m. the next day, when the siren sounds across the country, Israel will come to a halt for two minutes of silence.
Why Two Days of Remembrance: International and Israeli?
Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed twice: January 27, the day of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, and 27 Nisan (in 2025 — April 23) when Israel observes the Day of Remembrance for the Catastrophe and Heroism. This important division is highlighted by the historical context — the Remembrance Day in Israel is associated with the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto. This day emphasizes the journey of the Jewish people from tragedy to rebirth and the creation of the State of Israel.
Ceremonies to Honor the Heroes
One of the most touching ceremonies held every year is the “Every Person Has a Name” ceremony. During this event, in the Shagal Hall of the Knesset, the names of the deceased are read aloud. The idea belongs to Dov Shilansky, a Holocaust survivor who became an important figure in Israel’s political life. This ritual is meant to remind us that behind every number is a person. This year, politicians, students, families of the victims, as well as children and grandchildren of those who survived, will participate in the ceremony.
Memory Does Not End: October 7, 2023
We do not forget the tragedy of October 7, 2023, when Jewish children, the elderly, and entire families were again killed. This day once again showed that the Jewish people, just as 80 years ago, continue to fight for the right to exist. Remembering the horrors of the past, we cannot ignore the horrors of the present.
It is the aggression of Putin’s Russia, which is trying to destroy Ukraine, that serves as a reminder that the world cannot afford to forget the lessons of history. Today, as Russia continues its aggression, destroying innocent civilians in Ukraine, we understand that the fight for life and freedom continues.
International Ceremonies: Poland and Israel
The memory of the Holocaust is also preserved outside of Israel. In Poland, on April 23, a special ceremony will take place, which will conclude with the 37th March of the Living in Krakow, in memory of the six million victims, as well as those who survived the tragedy but did not survive the events of October 7.
Table: Comparison of Holocaust Memorial Dates
| Date | Event | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 27 | International Remembrance Day | Liberation of Auschwitz | Established by the UN, world memory |
| April 23 | Day of Remembrance for the Catastrophe and Heroism | Israel, Yad Vashem | Commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising |
Never Again: A Call to Action
“Never again” — this is not just a phrase, it is a call to action. It is our duty to fight against modern antisemitism, which still exists in the world, and to never forget history. It is a call to pass on the stories of Holocaust survivors to the future and carry their light forever. We must act in the name of those condemned to eternal silence and preserve the memory of everyone who suffered from crimes against humanity.
Holocaust Memory and Ukraine: Two Nations, One Tragedy
In remembering the Holocaust, it is important to remember not only what the Jewish people endured but also what Ukraine endured in those dark years. Ukraine, as a country, suffered greatly from Nazi occupation. Millions of Ukrainians, including Jews, became victims of the Holocaust, and Eastern European countries experienced unimaginable suffering during those tragic times. On Ukrainian soil during the war, a huge number of Jewish families were destroyed, and the memory of them lives on.
Despite all the suffering, Ukraine has preserved its memory of the Holocaust and continues to actively work to maintain historical truth. In Ukraine today, memorial events related to the victims of the Holocaust are held, and this is important not only for the Ukrainian people but also for the Jewish community that survived the Holocaust.
Ukrainian Jews and Their Connection to Israel
Many people from Ukraine found their new homeland in Israel, and today these people continue to maintain close ties between the two nations. Their story is one of survival, preserving identity, and overcoming the tragedies of the past. The tragedy of the Holocaust was just one episode in this history, but it left an indelible mark on the hearts of each of them.
The Ukrainian community in Israel actively participates in preserving the memory of the Holocaust, supports various memorial projects, and helps the youth understand how important it is to remember those terrible events. As wise people say, “Memory of tragedy is not only a tribute to the dead but also protection from repeating those mistakes.”
Holocaust Remembrance: Special Memorial Ceremony in Ukraine
This year, the memorial ceremony dedicated to Yom HaShoah will take place online.
The Israeli Cultural Center “NATIV”, in collaboration with the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, The Jewish Agency “Sokhnut-Ukraine”, The Ukrainian Students’ Cultural Center “Hillel Kyiv”, the MFB “Jewish Chesed ‘Bnei Azriel'” and the EGTC “Chalom”, are organizing this important event for all those who care about the tragic fate of the Jewish people. The ceremony will take place on April 24 at 19:00 Kyiv time, and it will be an important moment for all those who wish to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Details – https://nikk.agency/na-jom-a-shoa/
Invitation to Participate in the Memorial Action
The organizers of the ceremony invite all concerned people to join in the common silence and remembrance. Although the ceremony will be held online, it does not lose its significance, and everyone who wants to express their respect will be able to be part of this moment. Those joining the virtual meeting will be able to listen to deep, emotional stories, see important moments of history that remain alive in each heart.
Conclusion: Memory as Light in Dark Times
Today, as the world faces new challenges and threats, it is important to never forget the lessons of the past. Through memorial ceremonies, online events, and conversations, we can pass on the memory of the Holocaust and teach the younger generation to fight against antisemitism and any form of intolerance. All of this serves as a reminder that never again should what happened in the years of World War II be repeated. NAnews – Israeli and Ukrainian news reminds us: our memory is our strength, and we must pass it on to future generations.
