Rockland lights candles for the millions of Jews murdered, during the Nazi Holocaust

NEW CITY - Rocklanders held on May 7 a solemn ceremony - including a candlelight vigil - in memory of the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust.

People packed the Rockland County Courthouse jury room for the annual Yom Hashoah commemoration, one that's held in Israel and other nations.

The Rockland ceremony featured speakers, Holocaust survivors and family, and the lighting of candles in memory of the Jews killed by the German Nazis and allies before and during World War II. An estimated six million Jews and another estimated five million non-Jews were murdered, millions in Germany-run extermination camps across Europe.

Holocaust: Remembrance ceremonies to be held in Rockland, Westchester

Yom Hashoah comes amid rising antisemitic incidents in Rockland and across the country and Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Rockland theme for 2024 was "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility & the Legal Community." The ceremony featured a keynote speech by New York State Supreme Court Justice Joan Lefkowitz. The "Cornerstone of Democracy Award" was given to attorney Barry Kantrowitz, a partner in Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman in New City.

Rockland's Yom Hashoah Commemoration is sponsored by the Justice Brandeis Law Society 9th Judicial District, the Rockland Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education, and the Rockland Bar Association.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.comTwitter: @lohudlegal

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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Holocaust Remembrance Day: Rockland holds candlelight vigil in memory