Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide to Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom HaShoah, known formally as Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day), is one of the most solemn and significant dates on the Jewish calendar and within the broader Australian multicultural landscape. It is a day dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during the Second World War. Beyond the staggering loss of life, the day also honours the "G'vurah"—the heroism of those who resisted, the courage of the survivors who rebuilt their lives, and the "Righteous Among the Nations" who risked everything to save others.

In Australia, this day holds a profound and unique resonance. Following the end of World War II, Australia became a sanctuary for a significant number of Holocaust survivors. On a per capita basis, Australia welcomed more Holocaust survivors than almost any other country outside of Israel. This legacy has deeply shaped the Australian Jewish community, making Yom HaShoah not just a historical commemoration, but a deeply personal day of reflection for many families across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and beyond. It is a time when the community gathers to ensure that the horrors of the past are never forgotten and that the lessons of history are passed down to future generations to combat antisemitism, racism, and prejudice in all its forms.

The essence of Yom HaShoah in the Australian context is defined by a commitment to "Zachor" (Remember). It is an occasion that transcends religious boundaries, inviting all Australians to contemplate the fragility of democracy and the vital importance of upholding human dignity. While the day is marked by deep sadness, it is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In community halls, synagogues, and museums across the country, the flickering light of memorial candles serves as a powerful symbol of hope and a promise that the light of truth will always prevail over the darkness of hatred.

When is Yom HaShoah in 2026?

Yom HaShoah follows the Hebrew calendar, falling on the 27th day of the month of Nisan. Because the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, the date shifts annually on the Gregorian calendar used in Australia.

In 2026, the primary day of commemoration is Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

According to Jewish tradition, days begin at sunset on the preceding evening. Therefore, the observance of Yom HaShoah will commence at sundown on Monday, April 13, 2026, and continue throughout the following day.

As of today, there are 101 days remaining until the commencement of Yom HaShoah.

The date of Yom HaShoah is variable. It was specifically chosen by the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) in the 1950s to fall between the end of Passover and the beginning of Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day). It also marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest single act of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust, ensuring that the theme of heroism is inextricably linked to the theme of remembrance.

History and Origins of the Commemoration

The origins of Yom HaShoah date back to the early years of the State of Israel. In the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust, there was a profound need for a dedicated day to mourn the victims and process the enormity of the catastrophe. While some religious authorities initially suggested observing the day on traditional fast days like Tisha B'Av, many survivors and leaders felt the Shoah required its own unique place in the calendar.

In 1951, the Knesset passed a resolution establishing the 27th of Nisan as Holocaust and Ghetto Uprising Remembrance Day. It was later formalised by law in 1959 under Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. The choice of the date was strategic; it falls during the period of the "Omer" (the counting between Passover and Shavuot), a time traditionally associated with mourning in Jewish history.

In Australia, the observance of Yom HaShoah grew in tandem with the growth of the survivor community. In the 1950s and 60s, as survivors established themselves in Australian society, they began organising small, private commemorations. Over the decades, these have evolved into large-scale communal events. The establishment of dedicated institutions, such as the Melbourne Holocaust Museum (formerly the Jewish Holocaust Centre) in 1984 and the Sydney Jewish Museum in 1992, provided permanent homes for these acts of remembrance. These institutions were founded by survivors themselves, driven by a burning desire to educate the Australian public and provide a place where the names of their lost loved ones could be remembered.

How Yom HaShoah is Observed in Australia

The Australian observance of Yom HaShoah is characterised by its solemnity and its focus on community. Unlike Israel, where a two-minute siren sounds across the country and the entire nation comes to a standstill, Australian observances are more localised and occur within the framework of communal and educational settings.

Communal Commemorations

The heart of the observance lies in the major communal memorial services held in the capital cities. These events are typically organised by the peak Jewish representative bodies, such as the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) or the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. These gatherings often feature: The Lighting of Six Candles: Six memorial candles (Yahrzeit candles) are lit, usually by Holocaust survivors accompanied by their children and grandchildren (the second and third generations). Each candle represents one million of the six million Jews murdered. Survivor Testimonies: Hearing directly from a survivor is a hallmark of the Australian experience. As the survivor generation ages, these testimonies are increasingly delivered via video or by their descendants, ensuring the personal stories of survival and loss remain central. Recitation of Prayers: The El Maleh Rahamim (a prayer for the soul of the departed) and the Mourner’s Kaddish are recited. Musical Tributes: Solemn Yiddish and Hebrew songs, often those composed in the ghettos or camps, are performed to evoke the cultural world that was destroyed.

Educational Programs

Education is a cornerstone of Yom HaShoah in Australia. Schools, particularly Jewish day schools, hold special assemblies where students engage with the history of the Holocaust. However, this education extends to the broader public. The Melbourne Holocaust Museum and the Sydney Jewish Museum run intensive programming on and around this date, including guided tours, film screenings, and lectures. These programs aim to bridge the gap between historical facts and human empathy, encouraging students and visitors to consider their own roles as "upstanders" in modern society.

The "Yellow Candle" Project

In recent years, many Australian Jewish households have adopted the tradition of lighting a "Yellow Candle." These candles are distributed through synagogues and community centres. They are modelled after the traditional memorial candle but are yellow to remind us of the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. Lighting these candles at home provides a moment of private reflection for families.

Traditions and Customs

While Yom HaShoah does not have the ancient religious rituals associated with holidays like Passover or Rosh Hashanah, several modern customs have become deeply ingrained in Australian observance:

1. Maintaining Silence: During memorial services, periods of profound silence are observed. This is a mark of respect for the millions whose voices were silenced.
2. Modest Attire: Those attending services or visiting museums on this day typically dress in modest, often dark, clothing to reflect the somber nature of the occasion.
3. Reading Names: Some communities participate in "Unto Every Person There is a Name," a global project where the names of Holocaust victims are read aloud in a continuous stream. This serves to humanise the statistics and restore the identity of those who were treated as mere numbers.
4. The Partisan's Song: It is common to hear "Zog Nit Keynmol" (Never Say), the anthem of the Jewish partisans, sung at the conclusion of ceremonies. It serves as a defiant reminder of resistance and the survival of the Jewish people.

Practical Information for Visitors and the General Public

If you are a visitor to Australia or a non-Jewish Australian wishing to show respect or learn more during Yom HaShoah, there are several things to keep in mind:

Attendance at Events: Most communal commemorations are open to the general public. It is a gesture of solidarity that is widely appreciated by the Jewish community. It is advisable to check the websites of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) or state-based Jewish boards for event listings and registration requirements. Museum Visits: Visiting the Sydney Jewish Museum or the Melbourne Holocaust Museum on or around April 14, 2026 is a powerful way to observe the day. Please be aware that these sites may be busier than usual with school groups and memorial activities. Etiquette: If attending a service, please remain silent during prayers and testimonies. Photography is usually discouraged or strictly prohibited during the formal parts of a memorial service to maintain the sanctity of the event. Engagement: Do not be afraid to ask questions in appropriate settings (such as at a museum). The goal of Yom HaShoah is education and the prevention of future atrocities, and engagement from the wider community is a vital part of that mission.

Australian Holocaust Museums and Memorials

Australia is home to world-class institutions dedicated to Holocaust memory. These sites are the focal points for Yom HaShoah activities:

Melbourne Holocaust Museum (MHM): Located in Elsternwick, Victoria, the MHM is a leading institution for Holocaust education and research. It houses a vast collection of survivor testimonies and artefacts donated by the local survivor community. Sydney Jewish Museum: Located in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, this museum provides a comprehensive look at the Holocaust within the context of Australian history. Its "Holocaust" exhibition is deeply moving and features survivors who often volunteer as guides. Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre (AHMSEC): A more recent addition to the Australian landscape, providing vital education to South Australians. The Perth Holocaust Memorial: Located in the grounds of the Jewish Community Centre in Western Australia, it serves as a site for local commemorations.

Is Yom HaShoah a Public Holiday in Australia?

It is important for residents and travellers to note that Yom HaShoah is not a public holiday in Australia.

Business as Usual: All government offices, banks, post offices, and retail businesses remain open according to their standard operating hours. Schools and Transport: Public schools and public transport systems operate on their normal schedules.

• Jewish Institutions: While Jewish day schools remain open, they will dedicate a significant portion of the day to commemorative activities. Some Jewish-owned businesses or community organisations might close early or operate with reduced staff to allow employees to attend evening memorial services.

Unlike some other religious observances that might involve festive meals or travel, Yom HaShoah is a day of quiet, internalised reflection and communal gathering. There are no travel disruptions associated with the day, and no special road closures outside of minor traffic management near large community events.

The Significance of 2026 and Beyond

As we look toward 2026, the importance of Yom HaShoah remains undiminished. In a world where survivors are becoming fewer, the responsibility of memory shifts to the younger generations. Australia’s commitment to this day reflects the nation's broader values of multiculturalism, tolerance, and "a fair go" for all. By remembering the darkest chapter of human history, Australians reaffirm their dedication to a future where such horrors can never be repeated.

| Year | Date (Sundown Start) | Day of Week | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2026 | April 13 | Tuesday | | 2027 | May 3 | Monday | | 2028 | April 23 | Sunday |

Yom HaShoah serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It asks us to look at the six million not as a statistic, but as six million individual stories—families, artists, scholars, and children—whose potential was extinguished. In the quiet suburbs of Australia, far from the sites of the atrocities, the act of remembering becomes a sacred duty. Whether through attending a service, lighting a candle, or simply taking a moment of silence on April 14, 2026, Australians participate in a global act of remembrance that says: "Never Forget. Never Again."