January 27, 2026

 

Dear LACBA Members and Friends,

Today, Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) joins the world in observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau and honoring the six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazi regime. This year’s global theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” underscores our collective responsibility to confront antisemitism, hatred, and dehumanization wherever they appear.

Institutions across the world are marking this year with renewed emphasis on the dangers of rising antisemitism, denial, and distortion. This vigilance is especially important now, as Holocaust denial and distortion continue to spread in public discourse and online spaces. UN commemorators specifically warn that denial and distortion persist even eight decades after the Holocaust, fueling misinformation and undermining historical truth. These trends not only dishonor victims and survivors but also embolden modern movements grounded in hate.

These reminders resonate strongly amid current global events, where increases in antisemitic incidents and polarization challenge democratic institutions and the rule of law. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum likewise stresses the urgency of confronting this alarming rise worldwide as part of our civic and moral duties.

As members of the legal profession, we carry a special obligation to defend human rights, uphold justice, and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust guide our response to hatred in all its forms. Let us honor this day with reflection—and with action.

 

Jeffrey B. Margulies
President (2025-2026)
Los Angeles County Bar Association