Hi all,
I’m writing to make you all aware of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) occurring from sundown on Wednesday, April 27th to sundown Thursday, April 28th. Some of you may have seen or observed the International Holocaust Day of Remembrance in January. Yom HaShoah marks the beginning of 3 important days within the Jewish calendar, followed by Israeli Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) starting at sundown Tuesday, May 3rd and culminating with Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) starting sundown of May 4th. These days mark days of reflection, remembrance, mourning, and celebration within the Jewish and Israeli communities and can often be the impetus for widespread anti-Semitism.
As members of our WUSM community, it can be helpful to understand the significance of the next week for our Jewish colleagues and patients and be cognizant of our roles as allies to their community if the need arises, as we simultaneously anticipate an uptick in anti-Semitism and hope that it doesn’t occur.
If you are looking for more information about these days, below are some links to kick off your research:
Video of Israel coming to a standstill on Holocaust Remembrance Day
An article about the 2 minutes of reflection observed in Israel
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – fantastic resource
And, of course, the Wikipedia page for Yom HaShoah to start your rabbit hole of research.
In solidarity, Kaytlin, in partnership with the Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA)