A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE YOM HASHOAH (HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY) AS A DAY OF SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE FOR THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF THE HOLOCAUST BEGINNING AT SUNDOWN ON APRIL 13 AND CONTINUING THROUGH APRIL 14, 2026.

 

Whereas, Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed annually in the spring on the twenty-seventh day of the Hebrew month of Nisan to commemorate the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and to honor the survivors and their resilience; and

 

Whereas, the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the systematic state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II, and millions of others, including Roma, Poles, disabled individuals, LGBTQ individuals, Soviet prisoners of war, and political dissidents, who were also targeted; and

 

Whereas, the memory of the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of intolerance, bigotry, and hatred, and underscores the importance of promoting respect for human rights, equality, and the dignity of all people; and

 

Whereas, antisemitism, including harassment on the basis of actual or perceived Jewish origin, ancestry, ethnicity, identity, affiliation, or faith, remains a disturbingly persistent, pervasive, and growing problem; and

 

Whereas, there has been a sharp rise in antisemitism and extremism this past year in South Carolina, across the country, and around the world; and

 

Whereas, the citizens of South Carolina are encouraged to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and continue to work together to build a future that values the humanity of each individual, free of antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry; and

 

Whereas, survivors of the Holocaust, their families, and communities, as well as the organizations dedicated to preserving Holocaust history, serve as living testaments to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated; and

 

Whereas, the citizens of South Carolina are encouraged to observe Yom HaShoah through remembrance ceremonies, moments of silence, and participation in educational programs that foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, its historical context, and the ongoing fight against hatred, discrimination, and antisemitism; and

 

Whereas, the State of South Carolina reaffirms its commitment to support survivors of the Holocaust and honor the legacy of those who perished by ensuring that their memory endures for generations to come; and

 

Whereas, Yom HaShoah calls for the education of future generations about the history and impact of the Holocaust, the importance of combating antisemitism, intolerance, and all forms of hate, and ensuring that "never again" remains a guiding principle. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) as a day of solemn remembrance for the victims and survivors of the Holocaust beginning at sundown on April 13 and continuing through April 14, 2026.

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