The Daffodil Project, in partnership with the civic organization Central Atlanta Progress, is celebrating a significant milestone: the planting of 1.1 million daffodils worldwide.
The plantings serve as a living memorial to the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust, with the project’s ultimate goal of reaching that number.
The Daffodil Project was founded in 2010 by Andrea Videlfsky through Am Yisrael Chai, a nonprofit dedicated to Holocaust education and genocide awareness. The initiative has grown into an international effort. Annual plantings take place from October to January in cities across the U.S. and in countries such as Germany, Israel, and Japan.
“Planting the one-millionth daffodil is both a celebration and a solemn reminder,” Videlfsky said in a statement. “The presence of these daffodils reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand against hatred and injustice.”
For Holocaust survivors, the project offers a meaningful space to honor loved ones lost and ensure their stories are never forgotten, the statement said. The daffodil was chosen for its shape and color, resembling the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust. It also symbolizes resilience, as daffodils bloom anew each year, carrying a message of renewal and hope.
Since 2013, more than 350,000 daffodils have been planted across Georgia. In Atlanta, these flowers form a symbolic “ribbon of consciousness,” beginning at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, weaving through Downtown, and connecting to the King Center.
A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, emphasized the significance of the project in Atlanta, “A city with a deep history of social justice and diversity.”
“The daffodils challenge us to reflect on our history and inspire a future of resilience and unity,” Robinson said. “Spanning Downtown’s iconic landmarks, they pay tribute to those who fought for justice and call on all of us to continue that vital work.”
Notable locations for the daffodil plantings include The Breman Museum, with over 10,000 daffodils, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta with 5,000 daffodils, and Hammond Park in Sandy Springs with nearly 5,200 daffodils
A short ceremony typically accompanies each planting, often featuring a Holocaust survivor as a guest speaker. For more information and a full list of planting locations, visit the Daffodil Project website.
