WHEREAS, the Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945; and
WHEREAS, Jews were the primary victims of the Holocaust with six million people murdered, and millions of others were targeted because of race, ethnicity, physical and developmental disability, sexuality, or nationality reasons; Soviet prisoners of war and political dissidents also suffered oppression and death under Nazi tyranny; and
WHEREAS, the United States, including North Carolina, became the homeland to Holocaust survivors who, having deep appreciation for the freedom and opportunities afforded by this nation, greatly contributed to the culture and strength of their adopted homeland; and
WHEREAS, the people of North Carolina, the United States, and the world should always remember the terrible events of the Holocaust and should remain vigilant against bigotry and tyranny; it is imperative that we continually rededicate ourselves to the principles of equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust have been set aside for the people of North Carolina to remember the inhumanity of those who perpetrated the Holocaust, as well as to reflect upon the need for respect of all people; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Act of Congress (Public Law 96-388, October 7, 1980), the United States Holocaust Memorial Council designates the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust to be Sunday, April 24, 2022, through Sunday, May 1, 2022, including the International Day of Remembrance, known as Yom HaShoah, April 27, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins the nation in commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, the survivors, and their liberators, and encourages our communities to strive to overcome intolerance and indifference through learning and remembrance;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2022, as “DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.