City to Hold Holocaust Vigil on Remembrance Day

The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, in partnership with the city of Pasadena, will hold its annual ‘Every Person Has a Name’ event, a 25-hour Holocaust vigil to commemorate UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day, starting at 7 p.m. on January 22 and continuing to 8 p.m. On January 23.

This year’s event will return to the steps of Pasadena City Hall, as well as a simultaneous livestream.

“With all that is going on around us, an event like this is crucial to serve 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,” said Jason Moss, Jewish Federation’s executive director.

“By bringing the community together, we remember that each person that was killed was someone who lived and whose life was cut short. While our readers and those who listen may not know the people they are reading the names for; by saying their names aloud… they are remembered. With every passing day, survivors are dying, and with them go their stories… my concern is that the memories will be dying as well.”

The event will begin with a commemoration ceremony featuring local elected officials and other dignitaries and will continue with a 24-hour vigil of name reading.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre.

The names of the people murdered during that event will be read. The event helps ensure that the importance of the Holocaust is not forgotten.

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

For more information about this event, please call the Jewish Federation at the above number or send an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org.