vulcanyellow 1 How Birmingham honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026 — (Margaret Norman, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council)

Several local Birmingham metro communities recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th by shining a yellow light on city halls building and issuing proclamations.

The solemn act of remembrance and reflection marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and honors the six million Jewish lives lost and the millions of others persecuted during one of history’s darkest chapters.

“Lighting City Hall in yellow is a small but meaningful way for Irondale to remember the lives lost in the Holocaust and to reaffirm our commitment to humanity, dignity, and justice. We must continue to remember history—so that hatred, antisemitism, and violence are never allowed to take root again.”
Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr.

city hall — Irondale participates in International Holocaust Rememberance Day. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Cities participating in the day of remembrance include:

Birmingham
Hoover
Homewood
Irondale
Mountain Brook
Vestavia Hills

More than illuminating buildings

IMG 4664 How Birmingham honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026 — International Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation. L to R – Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith, Margaret Norman and Helene Elkus. (City of Mountain Brook)

In addition to the cities, Vulcan was lit in yellow on Tuesday night.

“When our municipalities light their buildings and landmarks in yellow, they are doing far more than illuminating buildings. They are illuminating memory.

Together, we all created a powerful and visible tribute to the six million Jewish people and millions of others who were murdered during the Holocaust. This is a recognition of the courage of Survivors, and a promise to future generations that we will continue to uphold the values of human dignity, empathy, and compassion.”
Lisa Bachman Executive Director, Alabama Holocaust Education Center