Holocaust Remembrance Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Holocaust Remembrance Day

WHEREAS, the Holocaust stands as one of the most profound tragedies in human history, during which six million Jews, along with millions of Romani people, people with disabilities, and other people from marginalized backgrounds were systematically persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators; and

WHEREAS, Holocaust Remembrance Day, known as Yom HaShoah, is observed each year on the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar and serves as a solemn occasion for individuals, communities, and nations to honor the memory of the victims, reflect upon the moral responsibilities of citizenship, and reaffirm a collective commitment to human dignity; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to Holocaust survivors, their descendants, and vibrant Jewish communities whose resilience and contributions enrich the cultural, civic, and educational life of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, institutions across the Commonwealth - including museums, synagogues, universities, and community organizations - play a vital role in preserving survivor testimony, teaching the history of the Holocaust, and promoting vigilance against all forms of hatred; and

WHEREAS, education about the Holocaust is essential to preventing future atrocities, and the Commonwealth remains committed to ensuring that students learn accurate and comprehensive information that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deep understanding of the responsibilities of community; and

WHEREAS, remembrance strengthens our resolve to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hatred, and to build a Commonwealth in which the dignity and safety of every person is protected; and

WHEREAS, Holocaust Remembrance Day calls upon all people to reflect on the moral imperative to confront hatred, discrimination, and violence wherever they arise while also contemplating the lessons of history, honoring the memory of the victims, and reaffirming our commitment to building a world rooted in compassion;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 14, 2026, as HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.