The commemoration of Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day began this week at Yad Vashem in a state ceremony attended by Israeli President Ezer Weizman and Prime Minister Shimon Peres.
The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Return to Life,” celebrates the determination of survivors to rehabilitate their lives and reaffirm their Jewish identity.
On Monday night, the six people who lit the traditional beacons, which represent the 6 million people who died in the Holocaust, all took part in major postwar events for Holocaust survivors: the return to homes, the search for loved ones and the attempt to rebuild their lives.
Shops and businesses closed early Monday night and special shows devoted to the subject of the Holocaust were aired.
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