In addition to lighting yellow yahrzeit (remembrance) candles, Jews will gather in synagogues and/or Jewish community centers to commemorate Yom HaShoah through worship, music, and the stories from survivors.
Yom HaShoah is observed on the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. This year, it begins on Wednesday, April 18th at sundown and goes until Thursday, April 19th at sundown.
In Israel, Yom HaShoah is both a national memorial day and a public holiday. Traditionally, Yom HaShoah begins at sundown in an official ceremony held at Yad Vashem - the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Jerusalem. During the opening ceremony, the flag of Israel is lowered to half-mast and both the President and the Prime Minister deliver speeches. In addition, Holocaust survivors light six torches symbolizing the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.
The following day, at 10:00 am, sirens are sounded throughout the country for two minutes. During this time, everything comes to a standstill as people pay silent tribute. By law, places of public entertainment are closed all day, the television stations run Holocaust documentaries, and only low-keyed songs are played on the radio. Israel is committed to Yom HaShoah being observed with dedication, reverance, and dignity.
