The Holocaust was the annihilation of six million Jews and hundreds of thousands of other minorities in Europe during World War II (1939-1945). The Holocaust was part of a plan by the Nazis, led by Adolph Hitler, to eliminate all Jews. The plan nearly succeeded, as two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population was murdered, most dying in German and Polish death camps.

Yom HaSho'ah, the newest Jewish day of observance, is dedicated to remembering victims of the Holocaust. Occurring after Passover (March/April), Yom HaSho'ah is marked by burning memorial candles to honour the people who died at the hands of the Nazis.

Monuments to Holocaust victims exist worldwide. One of the most poignant collections is at Washington's Holocaust Museum.

Glossary	Jewish Holidays	Treasures	Life Cycle	Home Page