Recognizing Our Diverse Community!
March 3rd was Purim, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther. Haman was the royal vizier to the Persian king Ahasuerus. Purim is celebrated among Jews by exchanging gifts of food and drink, known as mishloach manot and donating charity to the poor, known as mattanot la-evyonim. You can learn more about this HERE.
March 4th was Holi, which is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and welcoming Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. You can learn more about this HERE.
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, which began in 2007. The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The General Assembly of the United Nations has decided to observe it each year since 2012. You can learn more about this HERE.
In 2007, the UN designated March 25th as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade. This annual observance offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. You can learn more about this HERE.
