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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 /> ( Mips _ //www. lightupamericayellow. 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 " NeverAgain " is not a pro gse <br /> but a lived reality for generations to come . yeas # °uaf� <br /> This the 20t " Day of January, 2026 . A <br /> � ., <br /> Jean Hamilton , Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commis <br /> � 107 <br /> r t �( (I ttca`,�� <br />