Yom HaShoah: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Yom HaShoah (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Yom HaShoah is observed on April 17th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Yom HaShoah, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about Yom HaShoah.

📅 What day is Yom HaShoah 2024?

In 2024, Yom HaShoah is on Monday, April 17th. It is the 3rd Monday in April; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about April 17, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Yom HaShoah is a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It is observed on Nisan 27, but if it falls on a Jewish Sabbath, it is moved to the following day. This year, it begins at sunset on April 17 and ends at sunset on April 18. Yom HaShoah is a time for Jews worldwide to reflect on the suffering endured by their ancestors during the Holocaust. Many Jews today are directly descended from survivors and victims of this horrific event. In 1951, the Israeli Knesset made it a requirement to commemorate Yom HaShoah every year, ensuring that the memory of this important part of history is not forgotten.

📜 Yom HaShoah History

Remembrance Day was established in response to the lack of empathy shown by Israeli youths towards the victims of the Holocaust. These young people believed that the victims were easily killed without resistance. Upon discovering this mindset, authorities made an effort to emphasize the stories of the heroes who fought against Hitler and his army. These tales of bravery and determination were incorporated into the educational system.

Since 1951, people have been lighting special candles adorned with the Star of David to commemorate this event. Yom HaShoah, a national holiday in Israel, involves Jews gathering in synagogues to read from holy books and share stories. At 10 a.m. on the same day, sirens are sounded throughout the streets for 2 minutes, during which everyone is expected to pause and remember the horrors of the Holocaust. Even cars on the road are required to come to a stop. All aspects of life on this day are dedicated to acknowledging the strength and resilience of the Jewish people during the challenging years of the Holocaust, which occurred from 1933 to 1945.

✅ Yom HaShoah Facts

🔖 POCs suffer more in law systems
POCs often face deliberate resistance from law systems, which are designed to work against their interests.

🔖 Racism in medicine
Numerous medical procedures and treatments may not be appropriate for individuals of color due to the fact that drugs have varying effects on them compared to white individuals.

🔖 POC students punished harshly
Students of color, specifically black students, are subjected to more severe consequences in educational settings compared to white students.

👍 Why Is Yom HaShoah Important

Those who fail to remember history are bound to repeat it. And this is especially true on Holocaust Remembrance Day. Yom HaShoah vows to remember but never repeat all the wrongs that have occurred.

One of the major reasons Yom HaShoah is observed is to honor Jews’ bravery in fighting, surviving, and living freely. Future generations must be reminded of these stories, as well as many more.

People from many walks of life attempted to help in every way they could during the Jewish Holocaust. These people, whether Christians or Muslims, made certain that Jews were led to escape routes and/or hidden from the authorities’ sight.

🙂 How To Observe Yom HaShoah

⚡ Say no to racism

⚡ Stand in solidarity
A meaningful way to observe Yom HaShoah is by showing solidarity with your Jewish loved ones. This day serves as a remembrance of the suffering endured by the Jewish community, and by standing by them, we honor their resilience and find true victory in unity.

⚡ Learn about Holocaust history
Discriminating against someone simply because you have a preconceived notion about them is a great injustice to the human race and diversity. From attacks on Jews in the twentieth century to attacks on Muslims, black people, Asian people, and others in the twenty-first century, we still have a long way to go, but every step counts.

📅 When is Yom HaShoah?

View all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Yom HaShoah. So be sure to check back soon.