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International Holocaust Survivors Night: A Global Celebration of Resilience

On December 18, 2025, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) will host the annual International Holocaust Survivors Night. This year’s event, taking place on the fifth night of Chanukah, will be broadcasted live at 2 PM Eastern Time, allowing an audience from around the globe to honor the courage and resilience of Holocaust survivors.

Celebrating Resilience in a Virtual Setting

This event, orchestrated by actor and director Noah Emmerich in conjunction with Claims Conference Executive Vice President Greg Schneider, will focus on the theme of “Resilience.” The organization has successfully transformed what used to be in-person ceremonies into a global virtual gathering, allowing participation from nearly 20 countries across six continents.

Celebrity appearances will include heartfelt greetings from notable figures such as Barbra Streisand, Billy Crystal, and Jamie Lee Curtis, highlighting the vast community of support for Holocaust survivors. In addition, entertainment will be provided by famed singer Barry Manilow alongside the musical group Six13. Furthermore, a special tributing message will be delivered to honor the late Rob Reiner, a powerful voice in the fight against antisemitism.

Dignitaries Speak on Collective Responsibility

The event also incorporates significant addresses from prominent dignitaries. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the ongoing responsibility to remember the Holocaust, addressing the importance of ensuring that Jewish individuals can live without fear in today’s society. Alongside him, figures such as U.S. State Department Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Ellen Germain, and key leaders from various Holocaust memorial institutions will share their insights on the duties of current generations.

Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, poignantly noted that the experiences of Holocaust survivors today serve as essential lessons of resilience and hope for the world. He encouraged collective actions to ensure these powerful narratives live on, reminding us of the necessity of Holocaust education and advocacy against injustice.

Messages of Remembrance and Musical Performances

In a meaningful touch, messages of remembrance will be shared by Holocaust survivors themselves, including Ella Blumenthal, a 104-year-old survivor who endured the Warsaw ghetto and Auschwitz. Notably, the event also features a musical performance honoring survivor and conductor László Roth, who continues to solicit appreciation for the enduring spirit of resilience through a projected concert.

Encouraging local participation, individuals are invited to join in lighting candles in their own communities to honor survivors. Participants are urged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #IHSN2025 to amplify the event's reach and significance.

The Tradition of International Holocaust Survivors Night

This poignant event has been established for nearly a decade as a crucial moment to celebrate Holocaust survivors and their indomitable spirits. It serves as a beacon of hope, urging not only remembrance but also recognition of the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance. The menorah lighting ceremony that concludes this evening at the Kotel in Israel symbolizes a collective vow never to forget the past while illuminating a path forward.

The International Holocaust Survivors Night promises to be an emotional and unifying experience, free for all who wish to commemorate and reflect on the invaluable contributions of Holocaust survivors. To watch the event live, families, friends, and individuals are encouraged to visit www.Claimscon.org/SurvivorsNight2025 on December 18, 2025.