In the first effort of its kind, the Israeli-American Council is inviting people worldwide to walk or run and share their steps via a social media campaign with the hashtag “#6MillionSteps” to memorialize victims of the Holocaust and highlight resurgent antisemitism.
The innovative campaign ahead of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 8 has already generated overwhelming interest, with socially distanced gatherings on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and at a northern New Jersey Jewish Community Center two weeks ago tallying more than 6 million steps already, days ahead of the official March 24 launch date.
With such early success, #6MillionSteps is now challenging people everywhere to walk, run or march to reach 6 million steps each week from now through April 11, adding up to 18 million steps. The new total is a multiple of 18, which symbolizes good luck and the Hebrew letter equivalent “Chai” – or life.
A dedicated #6MilllionSteps website (linked below) will let participants connect their Fitbit or Garmin fitness tracker or manually track total steps while walking, running or exercising. Other public group events are scheduled coast to coast across the US, including the “Rocky” steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Tulane University in New Orleans and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
People are also invited to add a special #6MilllionSteps frame to their social media profile, as well as post photos and videos while taking part. The #6MillionSteps site features interviews with Holocaust survivors that people can share and provides resources on rising antisemitism and hate crimes worldwide.
“At a time of growing polarization and extremism, #6MillionSteps is gathering people everywhere in solidarity with the 6 million victims,” said IAC co-founder and CEO Shoham Nicolet in a press release. “By taking 6 million steps together at this perilous time, we can lead the way to fight antisemitism, indifference and ignorance and ensure we never forget the lessons of the Holocaust.”
With such beautiful weather and a gorgeous coastline, members of our South Florida community are encouraged to get their steps in as they walk down the beach, A1A or even in loops around Mizner Park.
To learn more, visit iac360.org/6m/.