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2 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> Proclamation <br /> International Holocaust Remembrance Day <br /> January 27, 2026 <br /> Commemorating the Past, Confronting Hate, and Committing to a Just Future <br /> WHEREAS, the United Nations has declared January 27th as International Holocaust <br /> Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honor the memory of six million Jews murdered in the <br /> Holocaust, and millions of other innocent victims who perished for failing to conform to Nazi <br /> ideology; and <br /> WHEREAS, we also honor the strength and resilience of the millions who survived Nazi <br /> persecution, enduring unimaginable trauma and loss — including many who have recorded their <br /> personal testimony in books, videos, and personal diaries; and <br /> WHEREAS, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals, groups, and countries — both Jewish <br /> and non-Jewish — who resisted, physically and spiritually, to stand against injustice and protect <br /> those targeted for extermination; and <br /> WHEREAS, we remember that the Holocaust did not start with gas chambers — it began with the <br /> erosion of rights and legal protections coupled with state-sponsored propaganda, bigotry, and <br /> dehumanization targeting Jews and others, and which escalated to mass murder and genocide; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, we unequivocally denounce all forms of discrimination, violence, murder, and <br /> genocide against any people, and reaffirm our condemnation of antisemitism, racism, and any <br /> form of bigotry directed at culturally, politically, socially, or ethnically distinctive communities; and <br /> WHEREAS, we value a community where diverse cultural and religious traditions are honored <br /> and woven into the rich fabric of community life; and <br /> WHEREAS, in conjunction with the nationwide Light Up in Yellow Campaign. <br /> (https://www.lightupamericavellow.com/), the State of North Carolina will light up the State Capitol <br /> in yellow on January 27, 2026 in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and <br /> Orange County can join in recognition and remembrance by lighting up select County buildings; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, let us unite in remembrance and resolve — committing ourselves to the <br /> creation of a world that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Let the lessons of the Holocaust <br /> guide us as we foster empathy and justice, speak out against hate in every form, and uphold the <br /> dignity and human rights of every human being. <br /> On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pledge our shared responsibility to build <br /> communities built upon respect and mutual understanding so that "Never Again" is not a promise, <br /> but a lived reality for generations to come. <br /> This the 20th Day of January, 2026. <br /> Jean Hamilton, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />