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Houston mayor proclaims Jan. 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, community leaders urge education against antisemitism
Summary
Mayor John Whitmire presented a proclamation recognizing Jan. 27, 2025 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and invited local Jewish organizations and the Israeli consul general to speak on rising antisemitism and the need for education and protection of Jewish communities in Houston.
Mayor John Whitmire presented a proclamation recognizing Jan. 27, 2025 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and asked the council to join him in honor and remembrance.
The proclamation cites the United Nations designation of Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and notes the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau. "I, John Whitmire, mayor of the city of Houston, hereby recognize January 27, 2025 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day," Whitmire said.
Elise Spector Callens, board chair of Holocaust Museum Houston, told the council she is the first grandchild of Holocaust survivors to chair the museum and thanked the city for supporting security for the community’s commemorative events. "I'm very proud to be here today," she said, and described the museum’s work preserving survivors’ testimony.
Renee Wizzig Barrios, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, thanked the mayor and council and said many survivors will not be with the community much longer, making education critical. "When antisemitism and Jew hatred is increasing rapidly around the world, we must stand up against hate in all of its forms," she said.
Rachel Schneider, director of the American Jewish Committee’s Houston region, urged that lessons of the Holocaust remain a cornerstone of public conscience and cited AJC efforts to educate leaders and build community bridges.
Livia Link Raviv, Israeli consul general for the U.S. Southwest, highlighted the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and warned of rising antisemitism. "Let us reclaim today the power behind the words 'never again,'" she said.
Council members from across the dais thanked the organizations and the mayor. Council member Abby Kamen asked the chamber to observe a moment of silence during the photo portion of the event; others described local commemorative events and memorial gardens and urged continued education and protection of diversity in Houston.
The presentation concluded with the council and invited guests taking a photograph and the mayor noting the city’s ongoing relationship with local Jewish institutions and the Holocaust Museum.
The proclamation does not impose new policy or direct city departments; it is ceremonial recognition and commemoration.
