International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Allied forces, is on Monday, Jan. 27. Local events observing the holiday include survivor testimonies, vigils, film screenings and more.
If there are any events we missed, please email details to [email protected].
Sunday | January 26
“Living History: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story” — Auschwitz survivor Luba Grungras of San Francisco shares her story for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Livestream option. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 2 p.m. Free, registration required. Free.
“Remembering the Shoah on TikTok” — The TikTok Shoah Commemoration and Education Initiative, a collaborative effort of over 50 Holocaust memorial sites throughout the world with academic support from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, has created hundreds of TikTok videos that are being used in an educational context to teach about the Shoah. Talk presented by the JFCS Holocaust Center. Online. 11 a.m. Free.
Monday | January 27
S.F. International Holocaust Remembrance Day — With participation from the Israeli, German, Austrian, Italian and Ukrainian Consulates. Presented by Menorah Center, StandWithUs, Moishe Houses, JewBilee, Malka Productions, Value Culture, SF Bad Jews and S.F. Jewish Young Adult Network. At San Francisco location provided with RSVP. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.
San Jose International Holocaust Remembrance Day — San Jose City Councilmember David Cohen announces the City Hall display of CHAIM (California Holocaust Awareness and Action Interactive Museum). Speakers include elected officials and Holocaust survivors. Presented by JCRC Bay Area, Jewish Silicon Valley and Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley. At San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 3-4 p.m. Free.
“A Series of Miracles” — Survivor George provides testimony on how he survived the Holocaust by being hidden by a family friend when his parents were deported to Auschwitz. Presented by JFCS Holocaust Center, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Consulate General of Germany, Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, Consulate General of Portugal, JCRC Bay Area and StandWithUs. Online. 12 p.m. Free.
“‘Never Forget’ Is Not Enough” — Noe Valley Ministry presents German and Jewish perspectives on the liberation of Auschwitz. Personal stories accompanied by cello. Directed by Armand Volkas, trauma therapist. At Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez St., S.F. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.
“Echoes and Reflections” — Webinar for students and teachers on marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with Sheryl Ochayon from Yad Vashem exploring the liberation of Auschwitz, sharing testimonies and primary sources to reveal its true impact on survivors and liberators. Presented by JFCS Holocaust Center. Online. 10-11 a.m. Free.
“Aftermath: How Filmmakers Responded to the Holocaust” — Documentary filmmaker Peter L. Stein discusses the dramatic films that were made in the immediate aftermath of World War II and how they helped shape people’s perception and understanding of the Holocaust. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.
Tuesday | January 28
“The World Will Tremble” — Pre-release screening of film that tells the true story of a daring escape from the first Nazi death camp, providing the first eyewitness account of the Holocaust. Followed by Q&A with director Lior Geller. Presented by Chabad of Tiburon. At Cinelounge, 40 Main St., Tiburon. 5:30 p.m. $20.
“Laundering Antisemitism” — Marc Dollinger, Jewish studies professor at San Francisco State University, discusses identity, politics, ethnic studies and the university. Part of the 42nd annual Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series at Sonoma State University. At Stevenson Hall 1301, SSU, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 4-5:15 p.m. Free.
Thursday | January 30
Unfolding the Legacy of “The Diary of Anne Frank” — Author Thomas Sparr, publisher-at-large for the German publisher Suhrkamp, discusses research for his book about “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Followed by reception. Presented by Taube Center for Jewish Studies. At CCSRE Boardroom, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Building 360, Stanford. 4:30 p.m. Free.
Monday | February 3
“Four Winters” — Documentary about the Jewish partisans’ resistance and bravery during World War II. Followed by Q&A with director Julia Mintz. Part of the Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival. At Temple Beth El JCC, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos. 6:30 p.m. Free.