HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 01-20-2026; 4-a - International Holocaust Remembrance Day Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: International Holocaust Remembrance Day Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation acknowledging January 27, 2026 as International
Holocaust Remembrance Day.
BACKGROUND: The United Nations has declared January 27th as International Holocaust
Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honor the memory of six million Jews murdered in the
Holocaust, and millions of other innocent victims who perished for failing to conform to Nazi
ideology.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT
We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to
participate in and feel connected to their community.
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — SOCIAL JUSTICE
We reject oppression and inequity by ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all people.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Proclamation
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27, 2026
Commemorating the Past, Confronting Hate, and Committing to a Just Future
WHEREAS, the United Nations has declared January 27th as International Holocaust
Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honor the memory of six million Jews murdered in the
Holocaust, and millions of other innocent victims who perished for failing to conform to Nazi
ideology; and
WHEREAS, we also honor the strength and resilience of the millions who survived Nazi
persecution, enduring unimaginable trauma and loss — including many who have recorded their
personal testimony in books, videos, and personal diaries; and
WHEREAS, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals, groups, and countries — both Jewish
and non-Jewish — who resisted, physically and spiritually, to stand against injustice and protect
those targeted for extermination; and
WHEREAS, we remember that the Holocaust did not start with gas chambers — it began with the
erosion of rights and legal protections coupled with state-sponsored propaganda, bigotry, and
dehumanization targeting Jews and others, and which escalated to mass murder and genocide;
and
WHEREAS, we unequivocally denounce all forms of discrimination, violence, murder, and
genocide against any people, and reaffirm our condemnation of antisemitism, racism, and any
form of bigotry directed at culturally, politically, socially, or ethnically distinctive communities; and
WHEREAS, we value a community where diverse cultural and religious traditions are honored
and woven into the rich fabric of community life; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with the nationwide Light Up in Yellow Campaign.
(https://www.lightupamericavellow.com/), the State of North Carolina will light up the State Capitol
in yellow on January 27, 2026 in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and
Orange County can join in recognition and remembrance by lighting up select County buildings;
NOW, THEREFORE, let us unite in remembrance and resolve — committing ourselves to the
creation of a world that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Let the lessons of the Holocaust
guide us as we foster empathy and justice, speak out against hate in every form, and uphold the
dignity and human rights of every human being.
On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pledge our shared responsibility to build
communities built upon respect and mutual understanding so that "Never Again" is not a promise,
but a lived reality for generations to come.
This the 20th Day of January, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners