Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to honor the memory of six million Jewish victims and millions of others who were systematically murdered by the Nazis. This day serves as a reminder of one of history's darkest periods and emphasizes the need to uphold values of dignity and human rights.
The commemoration this year highlights the severe consequences of hatred, dehumanization, and indifference. It calls on society to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated and to actively combat antisemitism wherever it appears.
"We owe an immense debt to Holocaust survivors," states the release. Their courage in sharing their experiences underscores the resilience of the human spirit and stresses the importance of preserving these testimonies for future generations.
However, antisemitism and Holocaust denial continue to rise globally. Reports indicate troubling trends such as increased Holocaust distortion and antisemitic rhetoric both online and in public discourse.
"These insidious forms of hate must be met with unequivocal condemnation and decisive action," asserts the statement. The United States endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism and supports global guidelines aimed at countering antisemitism, which have been endorsed by numerous countries since July 2024.
As this year marks 80 years since World War II ended and Nazi concentration camps were liberated, there is a strong reminder that such atrocities occur when hatred spreads unchecked. The statement urges people to speak out against hate, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold justice.
"Let us honor the memory of those who perished by committing ourselves to building a world where such horrors are impossible," concludes the statement. It calls for unity in fighting antisemitism and all forms of hatred while reaffirming commitment to "Never Again."