November 1, 2005 – New York – The American Jewish Committee hails today’s landmark UN General Assembly resolution establishing an International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“To his everlasting credit, Secretary General Kofi Annan often has pointed out the fact that the United Nations was founded on the ashes of the Holocaust. With today’s General Assembly action, a majority of UN member states has affirmed the uniqueness of the Nazi genocide of the Jewish people,” said David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

“UN recognition of the need to remember those who perished in the Holocaust can only help to deepen worldwide understanding of this horrific chapter in world history, as well as embolden all within the UN system who strive daily to combat the hatred that can lead to genocide anywhere in the globe.”

The UN resolution establishes January 27 as the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, firmly rejects any type of Holocaust denial, encourages individual member states to engage in Holocaust commemoration activities, and commits the UN to produce Holocaust education materials.

AJC applauds Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia and the United States for taking the initiative in cosponsoring the historic resolution, which eventually garnered 104 cosponsors and was adopted by consensus.

As the resolution adopted today states, the UN “bears a special responsibility to ensure that the Holocaust and its lessons are never forgotten and that this tragedy will forever serve as a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice.”

AJC holds non-governmental consultative status at the UN, was involved in the drafting of the UN Charter and has been actively engaged with the world body over the past six decades.

AJC will be communicating directly with UN officials to indicate our readiness to help with implementation of the Holocaust commemoration and remembrance resolution, including assisting in developing Holocaust education materials.