The Washington state Senate has passed a resolution recognizing January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust and promoting awareness of the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, where over 1.1 million individuals were murdered by the Nazi regime. The resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust, which resulted in the deaths of approximately six million Jews and millions of others targeted for their identity, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of intolerance and bigotry.

The resolution also highlights the alarming rise of antisemitism, with incidents in Washington state increasing by 268 percent since 2023, and calls for education on the Holocaust to combat such hatred. The Senate encourages citizens to engage in activities that promote understanding of the Holocaust and its historical significance, while honoring the resilience of survivors and the memory of those who perished. The overarching goal is to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are remembered and that future generations work towards a society free from discrimination and hatred.