The United States has expressed its appreciation for the United Kingdom's leadership of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) over the past year. Lord Pickles, representing the U.S., acknowledged IHRA as a crucial organization for promoting Holocaust education, remembrance, and research, as well as combating Holocaust denial and distortion. The U.S. is proud to be a founding member of this alliance.
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks 80 years since the end of World War II and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps in Europe, tributes are paid to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime. The day also honors millions of others who were persecuted because of their identity.
The statement emphasized the importance of listening to survivors' testimonies and remembering their stories. It highlighted that accurate historical education and truthful commemorations are essential for teaching future generations about past horrors and preventing future ones.
Antisemitism remains a significant concern today. Following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there was an increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide, including physical attacks, vandalism, arson, and online threats.
The United States supports the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which have received 43 international endorsements. These guidelines provide public policy guidance for addressing antisemitism globally.
All participating states are urged to embrace these guidelines and apply IHRA’s non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism.
As done annually on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, there is a call to honor those lost and those who survived while recommitting to action against antisemitism worldwide. The history of the Holocaust serves as a lesson in confronting contemporary challenges.