The Jewish Federation Announces 25-Hour Holocaust Commemoration at Pasadena City Hall

On the evening of March 22nd, the steps of Pasadena City Hall will transform into a solemn stage for the annual “Every Person Has a Name” event, a poignant 25-hour Holocaust commemoration and vigil. Organized by the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, with the backing of the City of Pasadena, this gathering aims to honor and remember the lives lost to one of history’s darkest chapters.

The event comes at a time when recent incidents of antisemitism have increased.

“With the rise of antisemitic and hate incidents we have seen as of late, an event like this is crucial to serving both as a reminder of what can happen when hate goes unchecked and also to remember the people who were murdered because of the same hatred… the hatred for the other,” emphasizes Jason Moss, the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation.

Over the last several years, this event has been held in commemoration of UN  International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), due to the Eaton Fire, the event  was postponed and rescheduled to coincide with the 92nd Anniversary of the opening of  the Dachau concentration camp.

Moss underscores the event’s purpose of uniting the community in a collective act of remembrance, highlighting that each victim of the Holocaust was a unique individual whose life was unjustly cut short. This 25-hour vigil, running from 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 22nd, to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 23rd, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring need to confront hate with unity and compassion.

“By  bringing the community together, we remember that each person killed was someone  who lived and whose life was cut short. They are not just part of the six million lives lost  but had their own story and their own individual experience. While our readers and  those who listen may not know the people they are reading the names for, they are  remembered by saying their names aloud. With every passing day, survivors are dying,  and with them go their stories. My concern is that the memories will be dying as well.”

This year’s event will begin with a commemoration ceremony featuring local elected  officials and other dignitaries. Then, it will continue with a 24-hour vigil of name reading. Jewish Federation is partnering with Anne Frank LA, a local nonprofit that  creates and presents innovative, educational, and cultural programs and community  events that further the legacy of Anne Frank, will be displaying their exhibition entitled  Anne Frank – A History for Today, and they will have some of the teen docents they have  trained on hand to answer questions and provide more insight. In addition, the Jewish  Federation is partnering with Pasadena’s Armory for the Arts, which is coordinating a  weaving art project on Sunday morning while names are being read.

“By participating in events like this, we help ensure that the lessons learned as a result of  the Holocaust are not forgotten, no matter how many years pass, and serve as a  reminder as memories are passed on to the next generation. We hope that community  members will take this opportunity to help safeguard the memory of the Holocaust,  promote tolerance, and protect the society in which we live,” Moss said.

The event is open to the public. Volunteers are needed, Moss said. “We are currently looking for volunteers to read names,  in-person or virtually, during 30-minute blocks.” People can sign up by visiting the Jewish  Federation’s website (www.jewishsgpv.org) or calling (626) .445-0810.

Those who do not feel like reading can attend the commemoration ceremony, sit and  listen as the names are read, and help spread the word about the event. Being present  and showing support is part of the power of the event.