Yom HaShoah facts for kids

Yom HaShoah (Hebrew: יום השואה, meaning "Holocaust Day") is a very important day in Israel. It is a day to remember the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a terrible time during World War II when about six million Jewish people were killed. Many Jewish people in other countries also observe this day.

Yom HaShoah is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Nisan on the Jewish calendar. This date usually happens in April or May. This specific date was chosen because it was when the Warsaw ghetto uprising began. This was a brave fight by Jewish people against the Nazis in 1943.

What is the Holocaust?

The Holocaust was a terrible event that happened between 1941 and 1945. During this time, the Nazis in Germany tried to kill all the Jewish people in Europe. They also targeted other groups, like Romani people, disabled people, and political opponents. Millions of people were murdered in special camps. Yom HaShoah helps us remember these victims and learn from history.

How is Yom HaShoah observed?

On Yom HaShoah, people in Israel and around the world remember the victims of the Holocaust.

• In Israel, a siren sounds for two minutes across the entire country. When the siren goes off, everyone stops what they are doing. Cars pull over, and people stand in silence to show respect.
• Flags are lowered to half-mast. This means they are flown halfway down the flagpole as a sign of mourning.
• Many schools and communities hold special ceremonies. These events often include reading names of victims and hearing stories from survivors.
• People light memorial candles to remember those who died.
• There is a special event called The March of the Living. Young people from around the world travel to Poland. They visit the former Nazi concentration camps, like Auschwitz and Birkenau. They walk together from Auschwitz to Birkenau to honor the victims.

Why is Yom HaShoah important?

Yom HaShoah is important for several reasons:

• Remembering the Past: It helps people never forget the terrible events of the Holocaust.
• Honoring Victims: It honors the millions of Jewish people and others who were killed.
• Learning from History: It teaches new generations about the dangers of hatred and prejudice. It reminds everyone to stand up against injustice.
• Promoting Tolerance: By remembering, people hope to prevent such terrible events from ever happening again.

Images for kids

• 

  The March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau is held annually on Yom HaShoah

• 

  Flags at half mast at sundown on Yom HaShoah

• 

  Sirens blare at 10:00 as motorists exit their cars and stand in silence in front of the Prime Minister's House in Jerusalem and throughout Israel on Yom HaShoah

See also

In Spanish: Yom Hashoá para niños