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Yom HaShoah

Remembering the past to protect our future, Yom HaShoah honors the memories of those lost during the Holocaust.

Monday

May 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEYom HaShoah (27 Nisan, Knesset Sabbath-shift, evening-start)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYJewish

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

As we turn the pages of history towards the future, we pause on May 4 to observe Yom HaShoah, a day of solemn reflection and remembrance. Initially inaugurated in 1953 by the state of Israel, Yom HaShoah is an important day that commemorates the lives and heroism of the six million Jewish people who perished during the Holocaust. It's a day when we pay homage to those who suffered, endured, and resiliently emerged from one of the darkest chapters in human history. We remember not just to honor the past, but also to enlighten our present and safeguard our future against such atrocities. Join us on Yom HaShoah in paying tribute to these souls and reinforcing a pledge of 'Never Again'.

TIMELINE

Yom HaShoah Timeline

Yom HaShoah Proposed

The Knesset (Israel's Parliament) proposed a day of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust.

Establishment Of Yom HaShoah

The Knesset passed a law formally establishing Yom HaShoah as a day of commemoration.

Instituting Memorial Ceremonies

Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial, started annual memorial ceremonies on Yom HaShoah.

Start Of Siren Tradition

A two-minute siren is sounded across Israel to remember the victims, a tradition that started in 1961 and continues today.

Yom HaShoah Worldwide Recognition

Yom HaShoah observed in many countries around the world, extending its commemoration beyond Israel.

Yom HaShoah Digital memory

People around the world took to social media to share stories and remembrances, keeping the memory of the victims alive in the digital age.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Yom HaShoah

Light a Yahrzeit candle

Lighting a Yahrzeit candle at home is a traditional Jewish mourning practice that’s done on the anniversary of a loved one’s death. On Yom HaShoah, this ritual is performed in remembrance of those who perished during the Holocaust, with the candle burning for 24 hours.

ATTEND

Attend a commemorative event or participate in a moment of silence

Many communities hold events and readings on Yom HaShoah. This could include testimonies from survivors, musical concerts, or readings of names of those who perished during the Holocaust. You can also observe a moment of silence to pay your respects.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Learn more about the Holocaust by reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums. Use this knowledge to educate others so that the memories of victims and lessons learned can continue to be passed on.

SPONSOR

Sponsor a tribute

Consider sponsoring a tribute in the name of a Holocaust victim, such as planting a tree in Israel or donating to a Holocaust education organization. This not only honors the memories of those lost, but also supports efforts to educate and remember.

Share stories

Sharing the stories of Holocaust survivors and victims is an important part of keeping their memories alive. Encourage older family members who are willing to share their experiences or gather friends and family to read memoirs and accounts of survivors.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Yom HaShoah is Important

It fosters community and solidarity

Commemorative events on Yom HaShoah bring communities together in remembrance, fostering a sense of solidarity. Whether through attending an event, lighting a Yahrzeit candle, or participating in a moment of silence, we're reminded that we're all part of a larger global community and that standing together in the face of hate and oppression is pivotal.

It reminds us of our responsibility to remember

Yom HaShoah is an important day that reminds us of our responsibility to remember and honor the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. By observing this day, we pay tribute to the victims and ensure their stories are not forgotten, thereby protecting our future from repeating such devastating atrocities.

It promotes education and understanding

The observance of Yom HaShoah provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the Holocaust, promoting education and understanding. It's a chance to educate ourselves and others about this dark period, thereby fostering empathy and reinforcing our shared commitment to 'Never Again'.

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