Synopsis
On April 24, Israel initiated its Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day with a wreath-laying at Yad Vashem, honoring six million Jews lost during WWII. Key figures, including PM Netanyahu and President Herzog, addressed current threats and the ongoing conflict while remembering the past.Key Takeaways
- Wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem
- Six torches lit for six million Jews
- Netanyahu links Holocaust to modern threats
- Ongoing conflict and hostage situation addressed
- 120,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel today
Jerusalem, April 24 (NationPress) Israel has commenced its annual observance of Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day with an official wreath-laying ceremony at the nation's Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.
The ceremony began at nightfall.
Holocaust survivors lit six torches in honor of the six million Jews who perished at the hands of Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
During the event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew parallels between the Holocaust and current geopolitical threats.
He asserted that Israel would continue to apply military pressure on Hamas, eliminate all of its capabilities, and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The ceremony featured remarks from Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, who acknowledged the somber commemoration amid ongoing conflict and the fact that hostages remain in Hamas captivity.
Released hostages were present at the ceremony, with Herzog praying for the return of those still held and for the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed for their freedom.
“This day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is not solely a moment for reflection. I stand here not only 80 years post-Holocaust but also a year and a half following the most significant massacre our people have faced since the Holocaust – while we are still hurt and anxious,” stated Herzog.
Remembrance activities will persist through Thursday.
At 10 a.m. local time, a nationwide two-minute siren will sound, halting the country in tribute to the victims.
Additional memorial events are scheduled in schools, workplaces, and public institutions throughout Israel.
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics revealed on Monday that approximately 120,000 Holocaust survivors and victims of anti-Semitic persecution from World War II currently reside in Israel, with 62 percent being women.
Netanyahu highlighted the military's successes since the October 7 massacre, diminishing Hezbollah and Hamas, while pointing out the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. He warned Iran of a similar fate if they persist in pursuing nuclear weapons.
@No one will obstruct our defense,” declared Netanyahu, recalling last year's commemoration when Israel faced threats of arms embargoes.
“If we must stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to fight with our fingernails, we will fight with our fingernails, but we will not yield.”
Holocaust Remembrance Day marks a significant milestone in the struggle against those who wish to eradicate us, said Netanyahu, likening Hamas and their actions to those of the Nazis during the Holocaust.
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet army's liberation of Auschwitz, which revealed the full extent of the Nazis' extermination agenda against Europe's Jewish population.
