Light Up America Yellow

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LIGHTING UP NORTH CAROLINA YELLOW

North Carolina joined the coalition to illuminate America in yellow years ago.
Last year we were pleased that the following institutions participated.

• NC State Capitol
• Charlotte City Council
• Charlotte Jewish Federation
• Town of Apex
• City of Cary
• Orange County
• Asheville City Council
• Chatham County
• City of Carrboro
• Jewish for Good (Levin Jewish Community Center in Durham)
• Beth El Synagogue
• The Asheville School
• Cary Arts Center

Proclamations were issued by Governor Josh Stein, Asheville Mayor Esther Mannheimer, Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Orange County Board of Commissioners, Town of Carrboro.

We welcome cities, universities, cultural organizations, public buildings, and landmark facilities throughout North Carolina to take part in this meaningful annual tribute. By participating, North Carolina will join states across the country in honoring Holocaust victims and promoting education, remembrance, and unity.

North Carolina State coordinator:

Name: Sharon Halperin
Email - sharonhalperin88@gmail.com
Phone: 919-414-3211
Organization: The Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education of North Carolina (The Holocaust Speakers bureau)

Contact us to light up your building, become a sponsor, or volunteer to help

Participating Locations In North Carolina

North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein agreed to light up the State Capitol yellow on January 27, 2026 on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in honor all of the victims of the Holocaust including the 1.5 million children so that through education such atrocities will never be repeated.
*Photo - North Carolina Government Official Website

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Charlotte Skyline, NC

Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed January 27, 2026, to be International Holocaust Remembrance Day in commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.

“Today we recommit ourselves to never forgetting one of the darkest chapters in world history, when the Nazis killed 6 million Jews and millions more Slavs, Roma, and disabled and LGBTQ people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This day reminds us to stand up for our neighbors, condemn all acts of hatred in our communities, and do everything in our power to keep this awful history from repeating itself. In their memory, let us resolve to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate wherever we see them.”

In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the North Carolina State Capitol Building will be illuminated with yellow lights on Tuesday, January 27, as a symbol of Governor Stein’s and North Carolina’s commitment to rooting out antisemitism and preserving history.

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2005 establishing January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

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Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Yesterday, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners issued a joint proclamation recognizing January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Charlotte. The proclamation was formally presented to Federation CEO Adam Kolett and Jackie Fishman as representatives of our Charlotte Jewish community.

January 27 marks the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 and is observed around the world as a day to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, to honor survivors, and to recommit ourselves to remembrance, education, and moral responsibility.

We are grateful to the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners for this meaningful recognition and for standing with the Jewish community. Public acts of remembrance and solidarity matter, especially during moments of uncertainty. Your support sends a clear message that memory, dignity, and humanity are values our community upholds together.

Asheville School – Asheville

The Asheville School illuminated its campus structures in yellow, creating a meaningful tribute within the historic grounds of Asheville. Its participation reflects the role of educational institutions in promoting remembrance and historical awareness.

Cary Arts Center – Cary

The Cary Arts Center lit its exterior in yellow, bringing Holocaust remembrance into the heart of Cary’s cultural district. As a community gathering space, its participation helped foster reflection and public awareness through the arts.

Orange County Courthouse – Hillsborough

The Orange County Courthouse illuminated in yellow, offering a dignified civic tribute in downtown Hillsborough. Its participation underscores the role of local government in honoring Holocaust memory and standing against hate.

Orange County Human Services Center – Hillsborough

The Orange County Human Services Center glowed in yellow, reinforcing the county’s commitment to compassion, education, and remembrance. Its participation connected public service with the broader message of unity and reflection.

Beth El Synagogue – Durham

Beth El Synagogue illuminated its building in yellow, serving as a powerful symbol of remembrance within the Durham community. Its participation reflects the vital role faith communities play in preserving Holocaust memory.

Durham Jewish Community Center – Durham

The Durham Jewish Community Center lit its exterior in yellow, creating a visible reminder of remembrance and resilience. As a central hub for community life, its participation helped extend awareness and education throughout Durham.