International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27 each year. It honors the six million Jews and millions of other victims murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Holocaust. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp in 1945. The day is a time to remember victims, honor survivors and recommit to fighting antisemitism, hatred and genocide.
History of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
From 1933 to 1945, the Nazi regime in Germany persecuted Jews and other groups. During World War II, Nazi Germany and its collaborators carried out the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jews, about two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population. Millions of others were also persecuted and killed, including Roma and Sinti people, people with disabilities, Polish and Soviet civilians, Soviet prisoners of war, gay men and political opponents.
Auschwitz-Birkenau, in German-occupied Poland, was the largest Nazi camp. About 1.1 million people were murdered there, most of them Jews. Soviet troops liberated the camp on January 27, 1945.
On November 1, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 60/7, designating January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The first observance was held in 2006. The day is separate from Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, held in the spring. In the United States, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., opened in 1993.
Why International Holocaust Remembrance Day Matters
Remembering the Holocaust honors the millions of people who were murdered and the survivors who carried their stories forward.
Learning about the Holocaust shows how prejudice, propaganda and indifference can lead to atrocity, and why it matters to speak up against hatred.
As the number of living survivors declines, education, museums and recorded testimonies are more important than ever in preserving the truth for future generations.
How to Celebrate International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Light a candle: pause to remember the victims.
- Listen to testimony: watch recorded survivor stories.
- Visit a museum: tour a Holocaust museum or memorial.
- Read and learn: read survivor memoirs or historical accounts.
- Stand against hate: report and challenge antisemitism and bigotry.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, observe a moment of silence or share educational resources from Holocaust museums. In classrooms, educators can use age-appropriate materials from trusted institutions to teach about the Holocaust, focusing on individual stories and the dangers of hatred. At home, families can read a survivor memoir, visit a museum or watch a documentary together, discussing the lessons with care.
Fun Facts About International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated on January 27, 1945.
- The UN designated the day in 2005 through resolution 60/7.
- About six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day FAQs
When is International Holocaust Remembrance Day?
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27 each year.
Why is it held on January 27?
It marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945.
Who designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day?
The United Nations General Assembly, in 2005.
How many people died in the Holocaust?
About six million Jews were murdered, along with millions of other victims.
Is it the same as Yom HaShoah?
No. Yom HaShoah is Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, held in the spring.
How can I observe the day?
Light a candle, listen to survivor testimony, visit a museum or learn about the history.