March 7, 2005 — The Department of Education will be participating in the national observance, Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust, being held this year from Sunday May 1, through Sunday May 8. The Day of Remembrance, or Yom HaShoah will be held on Friday, May 6. The 2005 theme is "From Liberation to the Pursuit of Justice."
"It is critical that our young people learn about the atrocities committed during World War II in Europe," said Dr. Noreen Michael, Commissioner of Education. "Education is a powerful tool to prevent such violence and develop tolerance and understanding. It is through education and the annual remembrance of what those who suffered and died endured during the Holocaust, that we can prevent similar atrocities and pursue justice for victims of acts of hatred and inhumanity."
According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, over six million people, primarily Jews, were murdered between 1933 and 1945 under Nazi tyranny. These people were targeted for destruction or decimation for racial, ethnic or national reasons.
"Remembrance of the awful events associated with the history of World War II is essential if the world is to prevent genocide, overcome prejudice and avoid future acts of hatred and inhumanity," Michael said. "I am urging all schools throughout the territory to develop ceremonies and programs that focus on teaching respect and tolerance for others, vigilance against hatred and persecution, as well as personal leadership skills so that no group or society will ever again fall victim to this type of persecution or tyranny."
