The annual UN assembly for International Holocaust Remembrance Day convened this evening (Monday) in New York, with the participation of dozens of world leaders and diplomats. The central ceremony commemorated the Holocaust and discussed key global issues.
In his address, President Isaac Herzog highlighted the worsening security situation and the resurgence of antisemitism. At the beginning of his speech, he drew attention to the yellow ribbon he wore, symbolizing the kidnapped Israelis, and shared the stories of the families of abducted soldiers Idan Alexander and Omar Neutra, who joined him at the assembly.
“Our People Are Still in Captivity”
“While the people of Israel were moved to see seven of our daughters heroically released from hell – 90 Israelis and foreign nationals remain in Hamas captivity,” said Herzog. “We anticipate the release of six more hostages this week and pray for the swift return of all hostages.”
Herzog appealed to the UN representatives and “to anyone who considers themselves part of the civilized world” to exert their full influence to ensure the release of all hostages, calling for their immediate return home.
The International Criminal Court and Moral Bankruptcy
Herzog reflected on the historical significance of the Holocaust, describing it as “the greatest catastrophe in the history of our people and humanity.” He noted how, from this unimaginable devastation, the foundations for international cooperation emerged, leading to the establishment of both the United Nations and Israel.
However, Herzog condemned the moral decline he perceives in international institutions. “Instead of courageously fighting against a global epidemic of murderous, Jihadist terror, the General Assembly repeatedly demonstrates moral bankruptcy,” he stated. “International forums, like the International Criminal Court, choose hypocritically to shield the perpetrators of atrocities, blurring the distinction between good and evil and creating a warped symmetry between victims and their killers.”
A Warning About Antisemitism
Herzog sharply criticized international institutions for allowing antisemitism to fester. “How can institutions, founded as an anti-Nazi alliance, allow murderous antisemitic ideologies to thrive unchallenged, amid the greatest slaughter of Jews since World War II? How has the moral compass of so many in the international community become so broken that they cannot recognize the obvious: terrorists exploiting civilians as human shields are also manipulating international institutions to undermine their fundamental purpose?”
He concluded his speech with a powerful declaration: “Am Yisrael Chai” – The Nation of Israel Lives.
“Your Story Must Be Heard”
As part of the Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration, the UN opened a special exhibition marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Holocaust survivor Marianne Miller, invited by Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon, delivered a testimony about her experience.
Danon expressed his gratitude for Miller’s participation: “It is deeply moving to host Marianne Miller here at the UN. Marianne, it is critical that your story is heard today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, to remind the world of what happened to the Jewish people and who was responsible for these crimes.”
“I Came to Tell Their Stories”
Miller expressed her heartfelt thanks: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to our UN Ambassador Danny Danon, who made my dream of speaking at the UN on International Holocaust Remembrance Day come true.”
Looking to the heavens, she said: “To my parents and the six million I represent, who can no longer tell their stories, I am here to tell the world what happened to the Jewish people, because I was there. I want everyone to know it really happened, and it must never happen again.”
