לֹא עוֹד
Lo Od
“Never again”
Lo Od (לֹא עוֹד) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “never again,” pronounced “lo OD.” The literal translation is “not again / no more.” A solemn declaration associated with Holocaust remembrance and the founding of the State of Israel, expressing the determination that such atrocities must never be repeated.
| Hebrew | לֹא עוֹד |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Lo Od |
| English Meaning | Never again |
| Literal Translation | Not again / No more |
| Pronunciation | lo OD |
| Category | Wisdom & Proverbs |
| Origin | The phrase gained its modern significance after the Holocaust (1939-1945). While the Hebrew words are simple and ancient, their combination as a vow emerged from the ashes of the Shoah. The concept is also expressed as 'Ad kan v'lo od' (Until here and no more) and 'Lo yihyeh od' (It will not happen again). |
Two Hebrew words — Lo Od — carry the weight of six million souls. 'Never again' became the defining moral imperative after the Holocaust, a vow that the Jewish people and the world would never allow genocide to recur. The phrase is seared into Israeli national consciousness and is the underlying principle behind the establishment and defense of the State of Israel. You'll hear it at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial museum; at memorial ceremonies on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), when Israel stands still for two minutes of silence; and in political discourse whenever the subject of Jewish security arises. Lo Od is not a slogan — it's a sacred oath.
Where Does “Lo Od” Come From?
The phrase gained its modern significance after the Holocaust (1939-1945). While the Hebrew words are simple and ancient, their combination as a vow emerged from the ashes of the Shoah. The concept is also expressed as 'Ad kan v'lo od' (Until here and no more) and 'Lo yihyeh od' (It will not happen again).
When and How to Say “Lo Od”
Used in Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, political discourse about Jewish safety, and as a broader moral statement against genocide and atrocity. Inscribed at memorials, spoken at Yom HaShoah ceremonies, and invoked when discussing existential threats to the Jewish people or other vulnerable populations.
Cultural Context of Lo Od
On Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in Israel, a siren sounds nationwide at 10:00 AM, and the entire country stands in silence for two minutes — cars stop on highways, pedestrians freeze in place, and the nation collectively remembers. Lo Od is the unspoken word on everyone's lips during those two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Never again” in Hebrew?
“Never again” in Hebrew is Lo Od (לֹא עוֹד), pronounced “lo OD.” The literal translation is “Not again / No more.” A solemn declaration associated with Holocaust remembrance and the founding of the State of Israel, expressing the determination that such atrocities must never be repeated.
How do you pronounce Lo Od?
Lo Od is pronounced “lo OD.” The literal meaning is “Not again / No more.”
What is Yom HaShoah?
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) falls on the 27th of Nisan (April/May) in Israel. It's a national memorial day when a two-minute siren stops the entire country in silence. Ceremonies, survivor testimonies, and candle-lighting events take place throughout the day. Entertainment venues close, and Israeli television broadcasts documentaries and memorial programs.
What is Yad Vashem?
Yad Vashem is Israel's official Holocaust memorial museum, located on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem. Its name means 'A Memorial and a Name' (from Isaiah 56:5). It preserves the memory of the six million Jewish victims, houses extensive archives, and includes the Hall of Names, the Children's Memorial, and the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations.
How does 'Never Again' relate to Israel's founding?
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was profoundly shaped by the Holocaust. The founders saw an independent Jewish state as the ultimate guarantee that Jews would never again be defenseless. The phrase 'Lo Od' (Never Again) expresses the determination that having a sovereign state means Jews can protect themselves and provide refuge for any Jew in danger.
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