A Star-Studded Virtual Gathering
This December 18, 2025, marks a significant occasion as celebrities and dignitaries from around the globe join hands in honoring Holocaust survivors. Hosted by actor-director Noah Emmerich and Greg Schneider of the Claims Conference, the event coincides with the fifth night of Chanukah, spotlighting the theme “Resilience.”
Esteemed personalities such as Barbra Streisand, Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and others deliver heartfelt messages, alongside a special musical performance by Barry Manilow. As stated in Patch, this eclectic assembly reflects the widespread admiration for those who endured unimaginable challenges and emerged as beacons of strength.
Resilience: A Beacon of Hope
“Their courage to rebuild and remember is a profound gift,” remarks Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference. This global gathering provides a moment not just to recall history but to celebrate the survivors’ indomitable spirit that continually inspires the world.
A Living Legacy: Continued Influence
The event underscores a commitment to Holocaust education, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterating the perpetual responsibility to honor the past’s lessons. Highlighted by testimonials from survivors like Abe Foxman and Ella Blumenthal, the evening emphasizes the continued advocacy by those who witnessed history first-hand, shaping a future reliant on truth and ethics.
Uniting Global Voices
Dignitaries and leaders across 17 countries will virtually converge, including notable figures like U.S. Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat and several Holocaust institution leaders. This convergence not only pays homage but fortifies a collective pursuit to ensure historical lessons endure.
A Musical Ode to Survival
Intricate music compositions by Auschwitz survivor László Roth will resonate throughout the event. At 105, his rich legacy exemplifies creativity and resilience against historical backdrops that attempted suppression.
A Virtual Candle Lighting Ceremony
As the event draws to a close, a virtual menorah lighting at Israel’s Kotel, alongside concurrent global ceremonies, will symbolize the undying light survivors continue to cast worldwide. Participants are encouraged to share their tributes online using #IHSN2025, bringing global unity to this poignant occasion.
This year’s initiative reaffirms International Holocaust Survivors Night’s core objective—an homage that recognizes past sacrifices while illuminating the forward path with hope, education, and resilience.