Thank you to all the survivors and family members present today, including Ms. Ginger Lane, Mr. Dumitru Miclescu, and Ms. Marianne Muller. It is a true privilege to be here with you. Thank you for sharing your stories of persecution, but also of perseverance.
"It is one thing to read about the Holocaust in a book. It is another thing to hear about it from someone who lived it," was expressed during the ceremony at the United Nations on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event emphasized the importance of personal testimonies in deepening understanding and strengthening resolve against future atrocities.
The ceremony acknowledged Secretary-General Guterres, President Yang, Under-Secretary-General Fleming, and other representatives commemorating this day with the theme "Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights." This theme underscores how hatred can lead to genocide and calls for collective action against such threats.
"2025 – as we have heard – marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II," attendees were reminded as they gathered to remember victims and honor survivors' courage.
"We are continually and painfully reminded that hate doesn’t go away; it only hides," addressing concerns over rising antisemitism globally. Holocaust denialism has become more prevalent alongside xenophobia, raising alarm about potential violence against democracy foundations.
The Anti-Defamation League's Global 100 Survey highlighted concerning trends: "46 percent of adults harbor elevated levels of antisemitic sentiment." Younger demographics show increased antisemitic attitudes due to social media influence on misinformation.
Despite these findings, there remains global acknowledgment of antisemitism as a pressing issue presenting opportunities for governmental action through policies like Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism or IHRA’s Working Definition adoption across nations.
"The challenge now lies in putting these guidelines into practice," urging UN commitment towards human rights mandates ensuring tangible progress against hate crimes worldwide because "atrocities like the Holocaust don’t just happen; they are allowed."
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