Commemoration, in Warsaw, of the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust Victims

Redakcja / Editorial staff, 28 January 2018
The 27th of January is the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust Victims. It was established in 2005 by a decision of the United Nations General Assembly. It commemorates the millions of Jews killed in ghettoes, concentration camps and extermination camps during World War II. The date coincides with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp.

On 27th January 2018, the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust Victims, a heritage tram, bearing the Star of David, travelled along Warsaw's streets, along the borders of the former Warsaw Ghetto. The empty tram symbolised the tram which travelled through the Warsaw Ghetto. It was intended to remind the capital's residents of their Jewish neighbours who, during World War II, were murdered in extermination camps and ghettoes. The tram's route will follow Plac Narutowicza - Filtrowa – Nowowiejska – Marszałkowska – Andersa – Stawki – al. Jana Pawła II – Popiełuszki – Metro Marymont – Popiełuszki – al. Jana Pawła II – Okopowa – Towarowa – Plac Zawiszy - Plac Narutowicza.

On this day, at 6:00pm, the public is invited to participate in the "Light of Memory" by lighting a candle in the window of their home. This light will symbolise our solidarity with and memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

The main commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust Victims will take place on 29th January at 3:00pm at the Ghetto Heroes. During this annual ceremony, wreaths will be laid and prayers recited.

In addition, on 29th January, at 6:00pm and 8:00pm, at the Estera and Ida Kaminska Jewish Theatre - Yiddish Cultural Centre, there will be performances of Ginczanka. Chodźmy stąd, directed by Krzysztof Popiołek, will take place. (Entry by invitation).

Organiser of these Warsaw events is the Shalom Foundation, supported by Stołeczna Estrada, Warsaw Tramways and the Ester aand Ida Kaminska Jewish Theatre - Yiddish Cultural Centre.

English translation: Andrew Rajcher