The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition will officiate at this year’s Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust on Wednesday April 27th at 10:00 a.m. For the first time since 2019, the annual program will be held in person in the Governor’s Reception Room in the State Capitol.
This inspirational program will include remarks by elected officials including Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House of Representatives Bryan Cutler.
“As always, this annual ceremony brings together influential leaders across party lines to remind us all of the importance of seeing the humanity in all people and finding strength in the diversity of all religions, ethnicities, and cultures,” noted Marc Zucker, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. “At a time of rising anti-Semitism, proliferation of white supremacist rhetoric, and violence targeting places of worship and people of faith, we stand together to remember those lost to acts of ethnic and religious hatred and pledge to heal these wounds, call out divisive hate speech and teach mutual understanding.”
The ceremony also will include recognition of Holocaust survivors and children and grandchildren of survivors, a message by Bishop Ronald William Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg, and an essay reading from the Schwab Holocaust Essay contest winners.
“The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition is proud to partner with our civic and religious leaders to reflect on the tragic history of the Holocaust and re-double our efforts to educate our children, celebrate our cultural diversity, safeguard our fellow citizens against hate crimes and build a community focused on shared values and love of peace,” Zucker continued. “Silence in the face of evil is not an option.”
The public is invited to attend.