The town’s Select Board has proclaimed Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and recognized the month of January as Holocaust Education Month.
In 2005, the United Nations officially designated Jan. 27 for remembrance, and it is now observed by many countries worldwide. The day commemorates the over six million Jews and millions of other minorities who were killed by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. Jan. 27 marks the day the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945.
Rabbi David Meyer of Temple Emanu-El commented on the town’s proclamation, stating that the community has always been an advocate for social justice causes.
“Marblehead has a rich history of recognizing social justice causes and communities that need to be recognized,” he said. “This is another example of trying to lift up the common good among the citizens of this community and beyond.”
Starting at 12 p.m., a candlelight ceremony will be held at Abbot Hall along with a reading of the proclamation. At 6 p.m., during Temple Emanu-El’s Friday evening service, Rabbi Meyer and guest Select Board Chair Moses Grader will commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.
Rabbi Meyer also stated that special activities will take place at the local schools during Holocaust Education Month. The public library will also have educational resources set up throughout the month to provide the town with historical and social context regarding the Holocaust.