Holocaust Memorial Event to be Held at City Hall

Edina City Hall will be hosting a local version of Days of Remembrance—an event aimed at honoring the victims of the Holocaust—early next month, all because one lifelong resident received an inspirational email.

The local version of the national event will begin on Sunday, May 1, at. It was the brainchild of John Simon, who after receiving an email a few months ago reminding him that Yom Hashoah—Remembrance Day in Hebrew—was coming up, decided to engage his community in acknowledging the event. 

“I thought, 'this is something the community of Edina could get behind,'” Simon said.

John Cashmore, who is heading up the event for the Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC), said the commission is thrilled with this kind of community involvement. 

“This is exactly what the commission is all about," Cashmore said. "People saying, ‘Hey, maybe this is something we should do as a community,’” he said.

The HRRC, in turn, proposed the City honor the victims of the Holocaust with a reception and proclamation presentation on Sunday, May 1 from 2-4 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Hovland is slated to make an address at 3 p.m. 

The HRRC is extending an invitation to temples and synagogues in the area (there are no temples or synagogues in Edina) to participate in the event. One temple has already volunteered to bring a photograph of a Torah from the Holocaust as well as someone to speak about it. 

Cashmore said the event extends beyond the Jewish population, noting that the proclamation states “the Days of Remembrance have been set aside for the people of the City of Edina to remember the victims of the Holocaust as well as to reflect on the need for respect of all peoples.”  

In addition to Mayor Hovland’s address, the event will include exhibits in the foyer of City Hall and light refreshments. There will be a remembrance book that guests can sign with memories, reflections or comments about the day. After the event, the book will be sent to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to be added to its permanent collection.

The event will be open to the public and citizens are invited to attend and get involved in the dialogue. 

The HRRC is still looking for a Holocaust survivor to participate in the event. If you know a Holocaust survivor who might be interested, contact John Cashmore at (612) 730-9004.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC has held national Days of Remembrance since 1982, as established by the U.S. Congress. The specific date of Remembrance Day generally falls in April or May and comes from the Hebrew calendar.

Learn more about the national Holocaust Remembrance Day at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website.