The Philomath City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday evening proclaiming April 14 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Philomath.
Proposed by the city’s Inclusivity Committee, the resolution calls upon Philomath citizens to reflect on the defense of universal human rights as essential for sustainable peace, democracy, and liberty.
The resolution acknowledges the Holocaust as a period of genocide and mass persecution under the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945, in which approximately 6 million Jewish people and millions of others were murdered. It further recognizes the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies and governments to remain vigilant against antisemitism, discrimination, hatred and tyranny.
City Manager Chris Workman offered brief remarks before the vote.
“I appreciate the opportunity that the council’s taking to approve this and read through it and just take a quiet moment to remember,” Workman said. “Remembering is important and honestly, we don’t spend enough time thinking about remembering important events in history.”
The motion passed without further discussion on a 7-0 vote. Following approval, City Councilor Jessica Andrade read the resolution aloud to the council.