HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 January World Holocaust DayCOLUMBIAtO) HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Recognizing January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27 is recognized by the United Nations as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring
the six million Jewish people murdered during World War II and the millions of others targeted during
the Shoah.
Survivors of the Holocaust came to Minnesota seeking safety and dignity, rebuilt their lives, and
contributed deeply to the cultural, economic, and civic life of our state. Their stories remind us of both the
devastation of hatred and the resilience of the human spirit.
The fascist Nazi regime sought to ethnically cleanse Europe by blaming Jewish people and other targeted
groups for Germany's economic and social struggles. Through propaganda, fear, and violence, the Nazis
labeled entire communities as "problems" to be eliminated and justified their forced removal,
imprisonment, and murder. As they occupied countries across Europe, they spread terror, hatred, and
systematic persecution throughout the lands they controlled.
The Holocaust was ended only through the combined efforts of the Allied forces, with thousands of
Minnesotans serving in World War II, including many who participated in the liberation of Nazi
concentration camps. Minnesota continues to honor this history through education and remembrance.
Decades after the end of World War II, the lessons of the Holocaust remain urgent. Antisemitism and
extremist ideologies persist, and acts of hate and violence continue to threaten Jewish communities and
other marginalized groups. These realities demand renewed commitment to historical truth, education,
and resistance to hatred.
Across Minnesota and the nation, communities, schools, and institutions remain dedicated to teaching the
history of the Holocaust and confronting the forces of hate, radicalization, and misinformation.
Remembering the Shoah is not only an act of memory, but a call to action to defend democracy, human
rights, and the dignity of all people.
Now, therefore, I, Amada Marquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim January 27,
2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Columbia Heights.
In Columbia Heights, we celebrate culture, community, and connection. We honor the diversity of our
residents and the traditions they bring. Let this proclamation reflect our ongoing commitment to
belonging, equity, and shared iimanity in our city.
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A%ada Marquez Simd1la� Mayor
January 26, 2026 �/