LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday that recognizes Jan. 27, 2023, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan. The United Nations established International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. The day is meant to honor and commemorate the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust.
“The Holocaust began with antisemitic rhetoric, not overt acts of violence,” said state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “As state representatives, we are leaders in our communities. How we demonstrate our support, values and beliefs is important. Anti-semitism is on the rise across the world and right here in Michigan. Commemorating the 6 million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust shows our commitment to ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself. Hate has no home in Michigan. This resolution honors the victims, survivors and liberators of the Holocaust and calls on the citizens of Michigan to overcome hatred and intolerance through learning and remembrance.”
Over 6 million Jews lost their lives during the Holocaust, with an additional 11 million lives lost from groups including Soviet civilians and prisoners of war, Poles, Serbs, people with disabilities, Romani, Freemasons, Slovenes, homosexuals, Spanish Republicans and Jehovah’s Witnesses. This day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the horrors of the Holocaust to help prevent future genocide.
The Anti-Semitism Worldwide Report for 2021 found a significant increase in anti-semitic hate crimes in most countries with large Jewish populations — citing social media as a clear catalyst for the widespread lies and incitement of violence that lead to Jews being harassed, physically assaulted and synagogues vandalized. Last year, hate crimes and attacks against Jews nearly tripled in parts of the country, with Michigan ranking fifth highest in the nation for antisemitic incidents.
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