'Yad Vashem Way' Inaugurated today in New York City

As the world observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day and marked the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation this week, Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, took part in a series of historic events in New York City.

In New York City—home to one of the largest Holocaust survivor communities outside Israel—the inauguration of 'Yad Vashem Way' carries profound significance, arriving at a time when antisemitic incidents in the city have reached historic highs amid a troubling global surge in antisemitism. The street co-naming initiative, honoring the world-renowned Holocaust Remembrance Center, was sponsored by New York City Council Member Keith Powers and supported by Mayor of New York City Eric Adams.

“The alarming resurgence of antisemitism reminds us of the urgency of our mission,” said Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. “By commemorating the Holocaust and educating future generations, we strengthen our collective resolve to build a world of tolerance, mutual respect, and peace.”

The newly inaugurated Yad Vashem Street was the focus of several featured events this past week in New York City.

NYC Council Special Event Recognizing Yad Vashem’s Mission

On 29 January 2025, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, together with City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Jewish Caucus Chair NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz, NYC Council Members Keith Powers, Julie Menin, Lynn Schulman, Lincoln Restler, and Inna Vernikov hosted a special event in the New York City Council, commemorating the 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and attesting to Yad Vashem’s invaluable role in preserving Holocaust memory, fostering education, and fighting antisemitism.

Yad Vashem Chairman Dayan delivered the keynote address from the floor of the New York City Council where he emphasized,

“As we confront the global resurgence of antisemitism, this event and its decision to recognize Yad Vashem’s impact reaffirms New York City’s commitment to ensuring that the Holocaust’s lessons remain a guiding light for humanity. Together, we must stand against hatred and ignorance.”

Inauguration of Yad Vashem Way

On 30 January 2025, Consul General of Israel in New York Ofir Akunis, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, and NYC Councilmembers Keith Powers and Julie Menin gathered to unveil 'Yad Vashem Way' at East 67th Street and 3rd Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. New York State Senator Liz Krueger, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Assembly Member Alex Bores, and Borough President Mark Levine were also in attendance.

"In a time of rising antisemitism and fear, it is more important than ever before that we remember what happened during the Holocaust,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “New York City is home to the most survivors of the Holocaust outside of Israel, but sadly that number is shrinking. We must continue to educate future generations about the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust so that they never happen again, and now every person who looks up at the street sign proclaiming East 67th Street as 'Yad Vashem Way' will understand the history and resilience of the Jewish people. I am proud to honor the memory of the victims today.”

The location of the co-named street was chosen in the vicinity of Rabbi Arthur Schneier’s iconic Park East Synagogue as a testament to the many Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the United States in the aftermath of the Holocaust and went on to build a thriving Jewish community in New York City.

“This street sign is more than a name—it is a powerful symbol of our shared responsibility to preserve Holocaust memory and combat the disturbing rise of hatred and intolerance.” said Dani Dayan at the unveiling. "By bringing the name of Yad Vashem to the heart of Manhattan, we are hopeful that this street will inspire those who pass by it to remember the murdered and the survivors and to carry the story of the Holocaust along with them."

About Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, serves as the global epicenter of Holocaust commemoration, education, and documentation. Through its groundbreaking exhibitions, educational initiatives, and digital resources, Yad Vashem ensures that the memory of the Holocaust continues to inspire and educate future generations.

For more information, interviews, or further details, please contact: ari.rabinovitch@yadvashem.org.il