The Alabama Holocaust Commission is set to host the 2026 State Yom HaShoah Commemoration on April 14, 2026, at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Yom HaShoah, established by the State of Israel in 1951, serves as a global day of remembrance for the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The commemoration will include various solemn activities such as synagogue services, communal vigils, educational programs, and the lighting of memorial candles, all aimed at honoring the memory of those who perished and reflecting on the horrors of this dark chapter in history.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering not only the victims but also the survivors who have passed away in the last year, including notable figures like Jack Schachter. It highlights the chilling testimonies of survivors, such as Viktor Frankl, who provide harrowing accounts of their experiences in concentration camps. The Alabama Legislature recognizes the significance of the Yom HaShoah Commemoration in ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten, reinforcing the need for ongoing education and remembrance to prevent such horrors from occurring again.