What:

In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is holding a special commemoration and candle lighting ceremony with Holocaust survivors, diplomats and the general public at 11 am on Wednesday, January 27, in the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance.

January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, has been established by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day for the world to honor the victims of the Holocaust. 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi killing center by the Soviet Red Army on January 27, 1945. More than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were murdered at the camp.

The United States officially commemorates the Holocaust during Days of Remembrance, which is held each April, marking the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. The Museum is mandated by the U.S. Congress to lead the nation in Holocaust remembrance, and during this year’s Days of Remembrance (April 11-18, 2010), communities across the country will conduct observations, and the Museum will hold the national observance in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

More information on the Days of Remembrance is available at www.ushmm.org.

Who:

Arthur Berger, Senior Advisor, External Affairs, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Holocaust Survivors Henry Greenbaum, Jacqueline Mendels Birn, Nesse Godin and Kurt Pauly

When:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11 a.m.

Where:

Hall of Remembrance
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW
Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines

Media:

Please contact Andy Hollinger at 202-488-6133 or ahollinger@ushmm.org if you would like to attend the program.