New York, NY, November 1, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today hailed the passage of the Holocaust Memorial Day resolution by the United Nations General Assembly.  The resolution, which calls for January 27 to be established as an official day of commemoration of the Holocaust, was co-sponsored by the United States, Australia, Canada, Russia and Israel.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

The adoption of this resolution is significant because it represents the recognition of the uniqueness of the Holocaust by the United Nations.
 
The U.N., established 60 years ago in response to the horrors of World War II, bears a special responsibility to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.  As the generation of Holocaust survivors dwindles, and acts of genocide, anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, racism and religious intolerance continue to rise, it is important that the United Nations has recognized the need to formalize Holocaust remembrance and education within the U.N. system.
 
We commend the United States, Australia, Canada, Russia and Israel for co-sponsoring this important resolution and thank Secretary General Kofi Annan for his continuous support on this issue.

In January 2005, the General Assembly held a special session to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi death camps and a Holocaust exhibit in the lobby of U.N. headquarters was launched with the playing of Israel's national anthem and the recitation of a Jewish mourning prayer.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.