This evening (Wednesday), a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony was held at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. The event, attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, paid tribute to diplomats recognized as Righteous Among the Nations—foreign ministry officials who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
The ceremony took place beside the “Wall of Diplomats” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the names of 49 diplomats who rescued Jews during the Holocaust are commemorated.
Strong turnout from the diplomatic community
The event, combining remembrance with a historical and moral message, drew more than 80 ambassadors and heads of missions from around the world. Among the speakers was Swiss Ambassador to Israel Simon Geissbühler, who spoke about the heroic actions of Carl Lutz—a Swiss diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews.
Foreign Minister’s message: “Never again”
In his speech, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar delivered a resolute message:
“But the Nazi regime could not have carried out its plot without widespread cooperation through the continent with the help of nations and the help of elites.”
He emphasized the moral collapse that swept across Europe during the Holocaust and the historical vulnerability of the Jewish people:
Sa’ar stressed that the lessons of the Holocaust demand that Israel preserve its ability to defend itself:
