Yom HaShoah in Australia

Holocaust refers to the killing of millions of Jews in Europe during the World War II, as commanded by the Nazi Government of Germany. Nazi ought to destroy the Jewish population that slowly progressed from 1933. In 1945, millions of Jews were led to camos and they were killed through poisonous gas. The infamous Holocaust, or also known as Shoah, is always remembered by the Jewish community. The event is called Yom HaShoah, or The Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Australia and the Holocaust Remembrance Day

Many Australians have Jewish roots on them, not to say that the country also has a strong presence of Jewish community. Due to the Australia-Jewish connection, Yom HaShoah is being observed in this country. Holocaust Remembrance Day happens on the 27th of the Nisan month which is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Many commemorative activities are held during this event, all of which are for remembering the millions of lives that were lost during the Holocaust.

The synagogues in Australia hold Yom HaShoah rituals services that are appropriate for the event. The activities during the Yom HaShoa include lighting of the candles, offering prayers to the millions of Jews who lost their lives, and singing hymns.  There are six candles to be lighted to represent the six million Jews that died during this period. The survivors of the Holocaust, or any of their family members, are also given the opportunity to share their Holocaust stories and how they were able to survive.  During the event, Holocaust materials are also being sold for the commemoration of the event, like books and other memorabilia. The Book of Names has become a fixed symbol of the Yom HaShoa. This book contains the names of those who suffered and died in the Holocaust period. There are also groups who make an effort to read the names from The Book of Names, and they do it in a cemetery or near a Holocaust memorial.

The young generation of the Jewish community is being introduced to Holocaust’s story and background during the Yom HaShoah. In align to their learning, the parents also allow the students to watch movies or films that tackle on what transpired during the Holocaust. The students are also encouraged to participate in forums and discussions about the Holocaust.

Australia does not declare Yom HaShoah a federal holiday. This means that Yom HaShoa does not require the offices, schools, and establishments to close on this day, unless it falls on a non-working day. There are no obstructions in the traffic, and transportation companies operate during the Yom HaShoa. Flights going in and out of Australia are also not affected by the observance of the Holocaust.