January 27 (anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp) is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by UN General Assembly resolution in 2005. On this day we commemorate the millions of Jews killed during World War II.

It is estimated that some six million European Jews perished in the Holocaust. Entire communities that often made up the majority in their towns were wiped out. People died in ghettos, death camps, concentration camps, and labor camps. They died of hunger and diseases, in mass and individual executions. Today, thousands of graves, monuments, and other sites of martyrdom remind us of these acts of genocide.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies in Warsaw will start at 4 PM in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes (Ludwika Zamenhofa St.). There will be a laying of wreaths, followed by an ecumenical prayer and a roll call during which everyone will be able to read aloud the names of Holocaust victims, including members of their own family.

A historic tram marked with a Star of David will operate in the area of the former Warsaw ghetto on this day.

The Shalom Foundation appeals to everyone to light candles in their windows at 6 PM as part of the nationwide Light of Remembrance initiative, supported by representatives of the Catholic Church and other religious denominations.