Philadelphia, January 14, 2026
Philadelphia will honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a series of events that commemorate victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Initiatives include buildings lighting up in yellow across the city, an annual remembrance ceremony, and educational programs at local museums. Residents are encouraged to participate and reflect on the importance of memorializing the past to prevent future atrocities. These community-driven efforts highlight the significance of remembrance and education in promoting tolerance and understanding.
Philadelphia Marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026
Community Initiatives Honor Victims and Promote Education
Philadelphia will honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2026, with a series of meaningful events designed to commemorate the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. This observance serves as a reminder of the past atrocities and reinforces the commitment to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Lighting Up Yellow Across Philadelphia
On January 27, 2026, buildings throughout Philadelphia will glow in yellow as part of a city-wide initiative to remember those lost during the Holocaust. Coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, this inspiring gesture symbolizes hope and collective memory, urging residents and organizations to illuminate their homes and establishments in yellow. This initiative exemplifies how community efforts can unite individuals in honoring history while fostering a culture of remembrance grounded in individual choice and participation.
Annual Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony
Continuing its rich tradition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will host its 62nd Annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on April 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza. The ceremony will include candle lighting, music, and prayers, creating a space for attendees to come together and honor the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah and recognize the resilience of survivors. In an effort to ensure safety and security, advance registration is encouraged. Should the weather be inclement, the ceremony will shift to Congregation Rodeph Shalom on the same day.
Virtual Candle Lighting for Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation has embraced a modern approach to remembrance by participating in an international campaign known as the Yellow Candle program. On April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., a virtual candle lighting ceremony will be hosted via Zoom, facilitating collective remembrance while allowing individuals to join from their homes. Although candle ordering has closed, participants are encouraged to bring their own candles to join in the meaningful observance.
Educational Programs and Exhibitions
Ongoing education about the Holocaust is crucial in preserving memory and combating hate. Throughout the year, several organizations in Philadelphia provide robust educational programs and exhibitions. The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC) in Elkins Park offers classroom programs where Holocaust survivors share their experiences with students, bridging generations through personal stories. The center also displays nearly 150 artifacts from the era, aiding in the education of younger generations. Additionally, the exhibition titled “Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats,” housed at the Quaker Arch Street Meeting House until March 30, 2026, recognizes the heroics of individuals like Carl Lutz, who worked to save lives during the Holocaust.
Participating in the March of the Living
The International March of the Living, an important educational initiative, invites participants from around the globe to Poland and Israel to learn about the Holocaust’s history while confronting the legacies of prejudice and intolerance. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia organizes a mission for community members to engage in this vital experience, which includes visits to significant historical sites such as Auschwitz and Birkenau. On Yom HaShoah, participants will join thousands in a memorial march, emphasizing the importance of reflection and remembrance in standing together as a community. The mission culminates in Israel, where participants will have the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem and engage with members of the Israel Defense Forces.
Conclusion
International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Philadelphia is characterized by thoughtfully organized events and initiatives that emphasize honoring the memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. These gatherings serve not just as tributes to those lost, but as a rallying call for community engagement, education, and a shared responsibility to confront intolerance in our society. As the city prepares for these important observances, residents are encouraged to participate actively and reinforce the collective resolve to ensure that the lessons from history are never forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is International Holocaust Remembrance Day?
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 27 to honor the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and to promote education about the atrocities committed during that period.
What events are planned in Philadelphia for International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026?
In Philadelphia, buildings will illuminate in yellow on January 27, 2026, to honor the lives lost during the Holocaust. Additionally, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will host its 62nd Annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony on April 26, 2026, at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza.
How can I participate in the Yellow Candle program?
The Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation’s Yellow Candle program allows participants to light a yellow candle in remembrance of Holocaust victims. While candle ordering has closed, individuals are encouraged to join the virtual candle lighting ceremony on April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. with a candle of their own.
What is the March of the Living?
The March of the Living is an annual educational program that brings individuals from around the world to Poland and Israel to study the history of the Holocaust and to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance, and hatred. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia organizes a mission for community members to participate in this event.
How can I get involved in Holocaust education programs in Philadelphia?
Organizations like the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC) offer educational programs and exhibitions to promote Holocaust education and remembrance. HAMEC provides classroom programming for Philadelphia-area schools, where Holocaust survivors share their stories, and maintains a museum space with artifacts related to the Holocaust.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Up Yellow Across Philadelphia | January 27, 2026 | Various locations throughout Philadelphia | Buildings will illuminate in yellow to honor the lives lost during the Holocaust and reaffirm the community’s commitment to remembrance. |
| 62nd Annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony | April 26, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, 16th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway | Candle lighting, music, and prayers to honor the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah and to honor the survivors. |
| Virtual Candle Lighting Ceremony | April 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m. | Online via Zoom | Participants are encouraged to join the virtual candle lighting ceremony with a candle of their own to honor the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. |
| Visas for Life Exhibition | March 30, 2026 | Quaker Arch Street Meeting House | This exhibition honors diplomats who undertook heroic rescue efforts during the Holocaust and recognizes the life and legacy of Carl Lutz. |
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