From 1933 to 1945, the Holocaust took place and is considered one of the worst genocides to have ever occurred in world history. A remembrance day has been established to honor all those who were killed during this time frame. Holocaust Remembrance Day is on April 15 to April 16 and is the time when people come together to remember the event.

“I remember the Holocaust by wearing my Judaic jewelry,” junior Shira Hovav said. “My necklaces and rings are a constant reminder of how fortunate I am to practice my religion freely and proudly.”

Adolf Hitler, the chancellor of Germany at the time, began the Holocaust as a mission to eliminate all Jewish men, women and children from the human race. Eventually, his idea expanded to eliminating those from the population that were considered different in Germany’s eyes.

“Hitler killed over 11 million people during the time of the Holocaust,” senior Alyssa Berkowitz said. “It was more than just Jewish people; it was many other religions and races as well that he did not agree with.”

With all these races being almost completely removed from populations in Europe, a lot of information about their histories was extinguished as well and not many people know much about them to pass down the information. There are many different places and people to go to for answers to any questions.

“If I have any questions or interests, I talk to my grandfather, who was the grandson of my great grandparents that were in the Holocaust.” Hovav said. “If someone wants to educate themselves about the Holocaust, then they should go to an established museum.”

During Holocaust Remembrance day, people do things such as visit museums, say prayers, and light candles to commemorate those who were lost. People also take time to reflect by themselves on the events that occurred.

“I think of all those who were victims of the horrors of the largest and most devastating crime against humanity, and all the suffering they endured.” Mitchell said.

For some people, Holocaust Remembrance Day takes a more personal form, since people have had family members live through the Holocaust.

“My great grandparents had seven children in which five were murdered together with their extended families,” Hovav said.

Although the Holocaust was a dark time for humanity, it has taught people to take a stand in the hopes of making sure these types of things never happen again.

“This kind of activity should not be tolerated anywhere in the world, and it is everyone’s responsibility to speak out against this in order for the world to remain a place we want to live in.” Mitchell said.

With all this in mind, remembering the Holocaust has taught people to be grateful and appreciate the life they were give.

“I aim to live my life to the absolute fullest, to appreciate the gift of life and be thankful for the blessings I have an complain less about the things that could go wrong.” Mitchell said.