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International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust on International Holocaust Remembrance Day - never forget this tragic part of history.

Wednesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 27

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

January 27 marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust. This date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. Despite its somber nature, this day is an important reminder to never forget the atrocities of the past and work towards creating a better future for all. It's also a day to celebrate resilience and strength in the face of adversity, as many survivors have shared their stories and continue to spread messages of hope and unity. Let us come together on this day to remember, reflect, and honor those who were affected by one of the darkest periods in human history.

TIMELINE

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Timeline

Liberation of Auschwitz

On January 27, 1945, the largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, was liberated by Soviet forces.

Anne Frank's Diary Publication

In 1959, "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank is translated into English and becomes a literary testimony of the Holocaust.

Opening of US Holocaust Memorial

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum opens its doors in Washington D.C., to ensure the history and lessons of the Holocaust are remembered.

Creation of Remembrance Day

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly establishes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

70th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation

World leaders and Holocaust survivors meet at the site of Auschwitz-Birkenau to mark the 70th anniversary of the concentration camp's liberation.

75th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation

In 2020, International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation with worldwide commemorations and ceremonies.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Visit a Holocaust memorial

Take the time to visit a Holocaust memorial in your area or plan a trip to visit one. This can be a powerful way to honor and remember the victims of the Holocaust.

ATTEND

Attend a virtual event

Many organizations hold virtual events on International Holocaust Remembrance Day to educate and raise awareness about the Holocaust. Attend one of these events to learn more and pay tribute to those who were affected.

READ

Read a book or watch a film about the Holocaust

There are many books and films that tell the stories of survivors and victims of the Holocaust. Take some time on this day to read or watch one of these powerful works.

LIGHT

Light a candle in remembrance

Light a candle in honor of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust and take a moment to reflect on their experiences and the impact it has had on the world.

DONATE

Donate to a Holocaust charity

Support organizations that work towards educating about and preventing future atrocities like the Holocaust by making a donation in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Holocaust Remembrance Day is Important

It brings people together in remembrance

On this important day, people from all backgrounds come together to remember the victims of the Holocaust. It serves as a unifying event for communities and countries around the world to reflect on the past and work towards a future free from hate, discrimination, and violence.

It honors the victims and survivors of the Holocaust

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day to pay tribute to the millions of Jews and other ethnic, religious, and political groups who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark chapter in history, and honors those who survived these horrific events.

It promotes education and awareness

International Holocaust Remembrance Day encourages people to learn about the Holocaust and its impact on individuals, families, and entire communities. By educating ourselves about this tragic period in history, we can work towards preventing similar acts of genocide in the future.

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