To mark the solemn occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation by the Allied Forces of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp where millions of Jewish people were killed and detained during World War II, New York City Council held a Holocaust Remembrance Event on Jan. 29, at City Hall.

 

The event was organized by City Council Member Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11), chair of the Jewish Caucus, in partnership with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office, to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and to reinforce the City Council’s commitment to education and remembrance of the Holocaust. The camp was liberated by the former Soviet Union on 27 Jan. 1945.

 

During the event, the council member, who is Jewish and a former teacher, highlighted a resolution he and Council Member Keith Powers (C.D. 4) had sponsored, which passed in the council a few days prior, and which commemorates Jan. 27, 2025 as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. It also formally recognizes Jan. 27 of every year as Auschwitz Remembrance Day in New York City.

 

In his remarks, Dinowitz spoke about the importance of memory and the solemn obligation to “Never Forget,” through meaningful action, not just through words.

Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), a Democrat representing parts of New York State, also addressed attendees as well, emphasizing what was described as the crucial need to stand against antisemitism. The congress member currently chairs the House Antisemitism Task Force in Congress.

 

In recognition of Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, Dinowitz also presented Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, with a special proclamation, and delivered poignant remarks on the significance of Holocaust remembrance and education in what was described as today’s uncertain world. Further honoring the organization, Powers renamed a New York City street in honor of Yad Vashem and the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

 

According to the councilman’s office, a deeply moving speech was given by Holocaust survivor Gabriella Major, who shared her personal experiences and reflections, underscoring the resilience of survivors and the importance of bearing witness to history.

 

The event also featured a powerful musical performance by students from LaGuardia High School, including an original piece composed by LaGuardia student Diogo Muggiati-Feldman, inspired by Elie Wiesel’s “Night.”

Dinowitz had lamented on Jan. 26 the fact that Miriam Restaurant, located at 79 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, was the target of “disgusting, hateful vandalism” the previous night. “These acts have no place in our city or anywhere,” he continued. “With a ceasefire deal in effect, this is yet another reminder that the people who perpetrated this act and their supporters were never about peace.”

 

Closer to home, Norwood News has previously reported on other hate crimes that have taken place in The Bronx, and across the City.

 

According to Wikipedia, Wiesel was a Romanian-born American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor who authored 57 books, written mostly in French and English, including Night, a work based on his experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps.

“This event is not only about remembrance, but about action,” said Dinowitz. “We honor those who perished and those who survived by ensuring that their stories are told and that we stand firmly against antisemitism and all the seeds of hate wherever they arise.”

 

He said NYC Council remains committed to Holocaust education and remembrance, reaffirming the city’s dedication to preserving history and fighting antisemitism for future generations.

 

Click here, here, here, here and here for some of our previous coverage on this topic.