On January 27th, we will observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a concentration camp in Nazi Germany and site of one of history’s most heinous acts: The genocide of over six million Jews. On this day, we pause to honor those whose lives were taken during this terrible tragedy and remember that such an event must never happen again. We also recognize those who risked their lives to save others from persecution and death at the hands of the Nazis. Through remembering the past, we can ensure that future generations are aware of history’s darkest moments, strive for peace and justice around the world, and make sure that history does not repeat itself by learning from our past.
Here near Long Beach, you can visit The Holocaust Museum LA which is located at 100 The Grove Dr. Los Angeles, CA – to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. PBS also has a lot of resources available online mainly directed towards teachers but available for the public as a way to learn more about the Holocaust.
INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY TIMELINE
February 24, 1920: An Evil Force Rises | The Nazi Party, or National Socialist German Workers’ Party, is established in Munich, Germany.
January 30, 1933: Enter, Hitler | Adolf Hitler is appointed chancellor of Germany by President von Hindenburg.
March 22, 1933: The First Death Camp | The first Nazi concentration camp is established in Dachau, Bavaria, which holds 188,000 prisoners from its inception until its end, of which 28,000 die.
August 1934: Hitler Takes Control | President von Hindenburg dies and Hitler abolishes the office of president, becoming the dictator of Germany.
November 9, 1938: Kristallnacht | The Nazis initiate a nationwide pogrom known as ‘Kristallnacht’ in which they burn 191 synagogues and loot around 7,500 Jewish shops, killing 91 Jews and sending thousands to concentration camps.
May 1940: The Biggest Concentration Camp Established | The Nazi regime establishes Auschwitz concentration camp.
January 20, 1942: “The Final Solution…” | The Wannsee Conference is held in Berlin where the German Civil Service and the Nazi Party discuss “The Final Solution of the Jewish Question” – a plan to completely annihilate Europe’s Jews.
January 27, 1945: The Last Death Camp is Liberated | The Soviet Army liberates the survivors of the last death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
November 29, 1945: Final Retribution and Punishment | 22 top-level Nazi war criminals are tried for their horrendous crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials – 12 are sentenced to death.
November 1, 2005: International Holocaust Remembrance Day Created | UN General Assembly resolution 60/7 designates International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
January 24, 2006: Holocaust Remembrance Week Held | The United Nations Headquarters unveils the exhibit “No Child’s Play – Remembrance and Beyond” in the visitors’ lobby.
