Community leaders from all walks of life came together in a powerful display of solidarity at the fifth annual Holocaust Remembrance Day event, co-hosted by San Jose City Councilmembers David Cohen and Michael Mulcahy. The event, held at the San Jose City Hall, was a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the past and a call to action for a better future.
The event, which was attended by a diverse group of community members, aimed to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and educate the public about the importance of remembrance and tolerance. The theme for this year’s event was “Never Again: Standing Together Against Hate,” a message that resonated strongly with the attendees.
Councilmember David Cohen, who is also the grandson of Holocaust survivors, spoke passionately about the importance of remembering the past in order to create a better future. He emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in the face of hate and discrimination. “We must stand together as a community to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never repeated,” he said.
Councilmember Michael Mulcahy echoed Cohen’s sentiments, stating that it is our responsibility to honor the memory of the victims and survivors by promoting peace and understanding in our communities. “We must never forget the lessons of the past and work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” he said.
The event also featured a moving keynote speech by Holocaust survivor, Mrs. Sarah Klein. Mrs. Klein shared her personal story of survival and resilience, reminding the audience of the human cost of hatred and intolerance. Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and promoting love and acceptance.
In addition to the speeches, the event also included a candle lighting ceremony to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims, including Romas, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. The ceremony was a solemn and emotional moment, as attendees reflected on the lives lost and the impact of the Holocaust on the world.
The event also featured a special performance by the San Jose Youth Symphony, who played a moving rendition of “Ani Ma’amin,” a song of hope and faith often sung by Jews during the Holocaust. The performance was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
The event was also an opportunity for community leaders to come together and reaffirm their commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding in their respective communities. Representatives from various religious, cultural, and social organizations were in attendance, showing their support for the cause.
The co-hosts, Councilmembers Cohen and Mulcahy, were joined by other city officials, including Mayor Sam Liccardo, who also spoke at the event. Mayor Liccardo emphasized the importance of remembering the past and learning from it in order to create a better future for all.
The event concluded with a call to action for the community to continue to stand together against hate and discrimination. Attendees were encouraged to take part in local initiatives and organizations that promote tolerance and understanding, and to speak out against any form of hate or discrimination.
The fifth annual Holocaust Remembrance Day event was a powerful and moving tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It served as a reminder that we must never forget the lessons of the past and work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As community leaders stood in solidarity, it was clear that the message of “Never Again” will continue to be a guiding force in our efforts towards a more peaceful and inclusive society.
