Yom HaShoah 2026 — Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day

Israel and Jewish communities worldwide observed Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day) with the State Opening Ceremony at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. The 2026 theme was 'The Jewish Family' — honoring the central role of Jewish family bonds in both the destruction and resilience of Jewish life during the Holocaust. Six Holocaust survivors each lit a torch in memory of the six million Jewish victims, accompanied by family members representing the continuity of life. A two-minute memorial siren at 10:00 AM on April 14 brought Israel to a standstill, with vehicles stopping on highways and pedestrians standing in silence. The 38th annual March of the Living drew approximately 7,000 participants to the grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, including more than 50 Holocaust survivors. US President Biden issued a presidential message reaffirming American commitment to Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism.