2024 Holocaust Remembrance and Education
"Flowering meadow with butterflies" by Dorit Weiserová (1932-1944). Copyright: The Jewish Museum in Prague
Resistance to Nazi dehumanization took many forms. The story of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis illustrates this clearly. Dorit Weiserová was one of 15,000 Jewish children imprisoned in Terezín ghetto-camp by the Nazis. The Nazis also incarcerated the elderly, war veterans, prominent Jewish artists, writers, composers, musicians, academics, at Terezín. Dorit was taught by Bauhaus-trained Jewish artist and educator, Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, who brought art materials with her when she was deported to Terezín. Dicker-Brandeis, along with other adult inmates, courageously resisted the Nazi intent to dehumanize the children. Through clandestine classes, the children were reminded of their ability to create and to imagine. In an increasingly dark and dangerous world, the children were given hope. Tragically, most of the children did not survive the Holocaust. Dorit was deported to Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Death Camp and murdered. Dicker-Brandeis too did not survive. In a last act of defiance before being deported, Dicker-Brandeis hid much of the art the children had created. As a result, thousands of drawings and paintings survived the War. They remain vivid testimonies to courage and resistance against dehumanization.
Theme: Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage
of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust
During the Holocaust, the Nazis went to great lengths to dehumanize their victims. Defying the Nazis took extraordinary courage.
In 2024, the United Nations is paying tribute to the bravery of all those who stood up to the Nazis, despite the grave risks. We will honour their legacy with their remarkable stories and history. In the memory of all victims and survivors, we will step up our efforts to counter Holocaust denial, antisemitism and racism.
Calendar of Events
January | February
Friday, 26 January 2024
United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
11:00 a.m. EST, United Nations Headquarters
Download the programme and watch the recording of the ceremony at UN WebTV, YouTube and X
The Holocaust Memorial Ceremony will be hosted by Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. Survivors of the Holocaust will share their testimonies along with invited speakers who include the United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of Israel and the United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
22 January – 23 February 2024
Exhibition: “Fighting for the Whole World" – Lower Saxony under Nazi Rule
Visitors' Lobby, United Nations Headquarters
This exhibition traces how events unfolded from 1933 to 1945 in what is today’s state of Lower Saxony, Germany. How the Nazi regime shaped society in Lower Saxony to reflect Nazi ideology, the state-sanctioned crimes, state-fomented violence and intimidation, and responses to the actions of the state and its agents, reflects the experience across Germany and in occupied territories. A closer look at Lower Saxony illuminates the larger history of the Holocaust and expands our knowledge and awareness of the experiences of all who were caught up in the history.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Book Talk “The Counterfeit Countess: The Jewish Woman Who Rescued Thousands of Poles during the Holocaust"
1:00 p.m. EST, UN Bookshop, United Nations Headquarters
Jewish mathematician Dr. Josephine Janina Mehlberg operated in Lublin, headquarters of Aktion Reinhard, the SS operation that murdered 1.7 million Jews in occupied Poland. Masquerading as a Polish aristocrat, the “Countess” persuaded SS officials to release thousands of Poles from Majdanek concentration camp. She secured permission to deliver food and medicine for thousands more inmates, and she smuggled supplies and messages to incarcerated resistance fighters. Incredibly, she eluded detection, survived the war, and emigrated to the United States. Join co-authors Elizabeth B. White and Joanna Sliwa as they discuss how they pieced together Dr. Mehlberg's history and ask why so little about this unrecognized hero is known by the broader public.
Elizabeth B. White is the former Research Director for the Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Joanna Sliwa is the historian at the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Secretary-General's Message on the International Day of Commemoration
in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
Remarks by H.E Dennis Francis, President General Assembly
on International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Statements
Remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
Remarks by H.E Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Remarks by Dr. Edith Tennenbaum Shapiro and Ms. Selma Tennenbaum Rossen, Holocaust survivors
Remarks by Mr. Christian Pfeil, Holocaust survivor
Webcast
2024 Holocaust Remembrance Activities around the World
Africa | Americas | Asia and Pacific | Europe and the CIS
In 2024 more than 29 United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) organized events and activities in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), United Nations Information Service (UNIS) and United Nations Offices (UNOs) including Asuncion, Abuja, Accra, Antananarivo, Bogota, Brazzaville, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Geneva, Jakarta, Lima, Lusaka, Manila, Mexico City, Minsk, Moscow, Nairobi, New Delhi, Panama City, Port of Spain, Prague, Pretoria, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington D.C., Yangon and Yaoundé organized or participated in Holocaust remembrance activities and events, and promoted the International Day and the Secretary-General’s message through their websites and social media.
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme supported the UNICs with seed money allocations and educational resources.
Africa
UNIC Abuja
On 26 January 2024, at an observance organized by the Embassy of Israel in Abuja, Nigeria, the United Nations in Nigeria, the British High Commission and Zikaron Basalon, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Nigeria and WHO Country Representative, delivered the Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich shared her personal testimony.
Among the speakers were H.E. Mr. Michael Freeman, Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria and H.E. Dr. Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria (represented by Ms. Cynthia Rowe, Development Director, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of British High Commission in Nigeria).
Guests listen to Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich’s testimony. Credit: UNIC Abuja
On 30 January, UNIC Abuja held an educational outreach programme at Government Secondary School Gwarinpa. 500 students were educated about the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism. They were urged to promote tolerance and stand up against all forms of discrimination and hate speech that could incite violence. The film The Path to Nazi Genocide was screened and the exhibition Some Were Neighbours was displayed.
Educational outreach programme at Government Secondary School Gwarinpa. Credit: UNIC Abuja
On 31 January, UNIC Abuja held another educational outreach programme at Doveland High School. The film The Path to Nazi Genocide was screened and memorial candles were lit in tribute to victims of the Holocaust. 400 students attended the event.
Educational outreach programme at Doveland High School. Credit: UNIC Abuja
UNIC Accra
The Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony was held in Accra, Ghana on 31 January 2024. Ms. Miriam Prager, Holocaust survivor, delivered remarks via Zoom. Also speaking were Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana; H.E. Ms. Shlomit Sufa, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana; and H.E. Mr. Daniel Krull, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ghana. Candles were lit in memory of the victims of the Holocaust around the world.
Left: Ms. Miriam Prager speaks at the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony; right: the UN Resident Coordinator and the German Ambassador light the memorial candles. Credit: UNIC Accra
UNIC Antananarivo
On 23 January 2024, UNIC Antananarivo organized a commemorative event on the Holocaust with students from high schools in Antananarivo. The film Footprints for Hope was screened, followed by discussions encouraging young people to promote peace and tolerance and combat discrimination and hate speech.
Students attend the Holocaust commemoration event organized by UNIC Antananarivo. Credit: UNIC Antananarivo
On 25 January, UNIC Antananarivo hosted the commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Holocaust at the University of Antananarivo. The UNIC shared the Secretary-General’s message and Mr. Issa Sanogo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Madagascar delivered remarks, calling everyone to fight against discrimination and hate speech.
Participants at the commemorative ceremony for the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Antananarivo
The UNIC also promoted the #ProtectTheFacts campaign in French on its social media accounts.
UNIC Brazzaville
UNIC Brazzaville planned to host the #FakeImages exhibition and present it to students at a Holocaust remembrance activity in March 2024. 500 visitors, mostly students, were expected. More details will be available soon.
UNIC Dakar
UNIC Dakar co-organized with the Embassies of Israel and Germany in Senegal a webinar titled Recognizing the extraordinary courage of victims and survivors of Holocaust on 12 February 2024.
The webinar, organized in commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust, engaged around 70 participants, including 50 students and their supervisors from Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane and Institut de Management Dakar, alongside staff from UNIC Dakar, representatives from the Embassies of Israel and Germany, and other attendees.
This event served as both a memorial and an educational platform. It emphasized the importance of remembering the Holocaust and combatting antisemitism. Participants were encouraged to act as messengers, especially on social media, to amplify the message and reach a wider audience. The opening remarks were made by Ms. Minielle Baro, on behalf of Mr. Hiroyuki Saito, Director of UNIC Dakar, followed by a broadcast of a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. H.E. Mr. Sönke Siemon, the Ambassador of Germany to Senegal and H.E. Mr. Ben Bourgel, the Ambassador of Israel to Senegal delivered messages highlighting their countries' commitment to remembering the Holocaust and fighting antisemitism.
A poignant highlight was the presentation by Ms. Borso Tall, an international freelance journalist, who shared her experiences visiting the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Death Camp. The webinar also featured video testimonies from Holocaust survivors Mr. David Schaecter and Ms. Ginette Kolinka, adding a powerful and personal perspective to the commemoration. The interactive session that followed Ms. Tall's presentation facilitated a meaningful exchange on topics such as fighting antisemitism, denialism, and the spread of hate speech and discrimination on social media.
Webinar “Recognizing the extraordinary courage of victims and survivors of Holocaust”. Credit: UNIC Dakar
UNIC Dar es Salaam
On 26 January 2024, Mr. Zlatan Milišić, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania and H.E. Mr. Thomas Terstegen, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Tanzania joined 300 students at a briefing organized in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, which emphasized the importance of learning from history for a peaceful future. The exhibition #FakeImages was displayed and visited by the attendees. The exhibition exposes how the Nazi's false and manipulative imaging worked and continues to find expression today. The interactive exhibition challenges its audience to take action to unmask the lies that continue to divide and polarise our world.
UNIC Lusaka
On 15 February 2024, the UNIC Lusaka hosted the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The commemoration drew about 50 participants from the Jewish community in Zambia, the Youth United Nations Association of Zambia, and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Zambia. The commemoration as a profound reminder of the atrocities of the past and the importance of collective remembrance.
The event began with a short video that introduced the Holocaust outlining key events from 1939 to 1945. Rabbi Isaac, a representative from the Jewish community in Zambia shared personal stories and reflections, underscoring the importance of preserving the memory of those who perished and honouring the resilience of survivors. Ms. Faith Chibwe, a student from the University of Lusaka emphasized the critical role of young people in promoting tolerance and understanding, and encouraged the youth to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and #FakeImages exhibition. Credit: UNIC Lusaka
The presence of the diplomatic corps added a global dimension to the observance, underscoring the universal significance of Holocaust remembrance. Among the speakers were Mr. Sinya Mbale, Honorary Consul for the State of Israel in Zambia; Ms. Beatrice Mutali, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia. The commemoration was attended by H.E. Mr. Pavel Prochazka, Ambassador of Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. François Goldblatt, Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Nicholas Woolley, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Ms. Elisa Brandi, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Lusaka, as well as representatives of the UN offices in Zambia and the Jewish community, and students from the University of Lusaka, the University of Zambia and the Cavendish University. The exhibition #FakeImages was displayed and visited by the participants.
Commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and #FakeImages exhibition. Credit: UNIC Lusaka
UNIS Nairobi
UNIS Nairobi, in partnership with the Embassy of Israel in Kenya, brought together over 500 students from more than 16 Kenyan Universities, and over 20 diplomats accredited to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Habitat to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The commemoration was held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi on 30 January 2024. Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General. Six candles were lit at the start of the event in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Three documentaries, The Auschwitz Album- Visual Evidence of the Process Leading to the Mass Murder at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Holocaust Survivors' First Moments of Liberation, and Resilience: The Story of Rabbi Israel Meir Lau were screened.
H. E. Mr. Sebastian Growth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya; H. E. Dr. Christian Fellner, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme and UN-Habitat; and H. E. Mr. Michael Lotem, Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, spoke at the event. This first phase of the event was moderated by Ms. Sandra Macharia, Director of UNIS Nairobi. The second phase of the commemoration was led by Ambassador Lotem and moderated by Mr. Newton Kanhema, Deputy Director of UNIS Nairobi.
An exhibition titled Shoah - How Was it Humanly Possible? was on display and visited by about 200 guests.
Activities organized by UN Nairobi in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIS Nairobi
UNIC Pretoria
On 26 January 2024, to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, UNIC Pretoria participated in an outreach activity in collaboration with non-profit organization Education Africa with 120 learners from Masibambane College in Orange farm at the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre.
Education outreach event at the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Credit: UNIC Pretoria
Eunice Namugwe and Marubini Muswede from the United Nations in South Africa, facilitated an educational session for the learners, which commenced with a screening of the Secretary-General's message, and engaged participants through interactive quizzes.
The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre and Education Africa delivered a joint presentation on the historical events of the Holocaust. The students were guided through a museum tour, and listened to Ms. Irene Klass, a Holocaust survivor.
Holocaust survivor, Ms. Irene Klass engages with students from from Masibambane College. Credit: UNIC Pretoria
UNIC Yaoundé
On 31 January 2024, UNIC Yaoundé, in partnership with the Embassy of Israel in Cameroon, organized an education outreach event with the participation of high school students from the Lycée de Tsinga. Mr. Jean Njita, National Information Officer of UNIC Yaoundé welcomed participants with a historic presentation, followed by the screening of the Secretary-General’s video message and the film Children of the Holocaust.
H.E. Mr. Raphael Morav, the Special Envoy of Israel to Cameroon delivered remarks as the guest speaker. In attendance was H.E. Mr. Nigel Holmes, British Deputy High Commissioner to Cameroon. UNIC Yaoundé provided information kits comprised of notebooks, Secretary-General’s message in French and English, storyline of the movie, and copies of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Education outreach event for the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Yaoundé
Americas
UNIC Bogotá
On 26 January, 2024, UNIC Bogotá participated in an event to remember victims of the Holocaust at the Centro Israelita in Bogotá. Representatives of the diplomatic corps and the Jewish community in Colombia delivered remarks. Ms. Mireia Villar Forner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Colombia also addressed the audience.
Commemorative event honouring the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Bogotá
The UNIC also presented the #FakeImages exhibition in Spanish, which was well received by around 300 members of the Jewish community and the audience participating in the ceremony, including government and civil society representatives, diplomats, academicians and media. The UNIC is looking into venues to show the exhibition later in the year.
Guests visit the #FakeImages exhibition. Credit: UNIC Bogotá
UNIC Buenos Aires
On 6 May 2024, UNIC Buenos Aires inaugurated the #FakeImages exhibition at the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires. The opening event was participated by 35 attendees including UN personnel, Museum authorities, several ambassadors and representatives from civil society organizations.
The exhibition, centrally located within the Museum, will be up for two months until 6 July and it is estimated to be seen by over 20,000 visitors, most of which will be high school students. The UNIC is working with the Museum and other organizations and academic centers to identify other venues where the exhibition materials can be reused.
#FakeImages exhibition opening event at the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires. Credit: UNIC Buenos Aires
UNIC Lima
UNIC Lima, in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Peru, partnered with the Embassy of Israel to hold the official ceremony commemorating the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The ceremony was held on 29 January 2024. Members from the Jewish community, including Holocaust survivors and their families, alongside representatives from the international community, notably H.E. Mr. Eran Yuvan, Ambassador of Israel to Peru and H.E. Ms. Sabine Bloch, Ambassador of Germany to Peru particpated in the ceremony. Mr. Igor Garafulic, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Peru, delivered the Secretary-General’s message during the event’s opening session. The ceremony featured a candle lighting ceremony, followed by a visit to an educational exhibition on the Holocaust. UNIC Lima facilitated the Resident Coordinator’s participation in the official ceremony and prepared talking points and Q&A.
UNIC Lima also coordinated UN involvement in a commemorative event organized by a local municipality, where a representative of UNHCR delivered the Secretary-General's message.
Candle lighting ceremony in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Lima
UNIC Mexico City
UNIC Mexico City participated in the commemoration organized by the Memory and Tolerance Museum on 26 January 2024, and supported the dissemination of the event information by inviting the public to follow the live streaming on social media.
The UNIC interviewed Álvaro and Boris Castellanos, grandsons of Colonel José Arturo Castellanos. While serving as Consul of El Salvador in Geneva, Castellanos began one of the largest rescue missions and was recognized by Yad Vashem in 2020 as Righteous Among the Nations. In 2013, Álvaro and Boris Castellanos created a documentary titled The Rescue, featuring the life and heroic deeds of Colonel Castellanos. The Rescue and a live concerted were presented on 26 January 2024 at the Memory and Tolerance Museum in Mexico City. During the event, the Castellanos brothers and a group of musicians performed the songs from the documentary using instruments that belonged to people who lived during the Holocaust, lent by the Instruments of Hope Foundation. Articles about the event were published by UN News in Spanish and French.
Screening of “The Rescue” and concert in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Mexico City
UNIC Mexico City developed a digital tool based on the #FakeImages exhibition in Spanish. The tool will be used in presentations and for guiding discussions on the exhibition. The UNIC designed a pocket notebook on #FakeImages, which will be printed and distributed to students during talks planned by the UNIC with Dr. Yael Siman, Holocaust Specialist and Research Professor at the Universidad Iberoamericana, in universities and during the Guadalajara Bookfair later this year. The UNIC also produced 4 videos with Dr. Siman, through which Dr. Siman explains concepts such as stereotypes, jokes, fake images and antisemitism. The videos will be used as an introduction to the conversation on #FakeImages to help spark the conversation.
UNIC Panama City
On 30 January 2024, UNIC Panama City joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama and the Embassy of Israel in Panama to commemorate the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Event in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust in Panama. Credit: UN in Panama
UNIC Rio de Janeiro
To mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, UNIC Rio de Janeiro organized the #ProtectTheFacts campaign in Portuguese through the website and social media accounts of the UNIC. The campaign aims to counter Holocaust distortion and denial through social media. The UNIC also promoted the Secretary-General’s video message with Portuguese subtitles.
#ProtectTheFacts campaign in Portuguese. Credit: UNIC Rio de Janeiro
UNIC Washington D.C.
At the US Holocaust Memorial and Museum, UNIC Washington D.C. joined hundreds of others to read aloud the names of Holocaust victims and survivors. Holocaust survivors engaged with visitors, sharing their experiences and emphasizing the need for continued awareness of the history and discussion.
Anne Musotsi of UNIC Washington D.C.. at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. Photo: UNIC Washington/Nikash Harapanahalli
Asia and the Pacific
UNIC Jakarta
UNIC Jakarta translated the Secretary-General's message on the International Day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust into Bahasa Indonesian. The message was published on the website and social media platforms of the United Nations in Indonesia.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Bahasa Indonesia. Credit: UNIC Jakarta
UNIC Manila
On 24 January 2024, Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Resident-Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines spoke at a commemorative event for the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and delivered the Secretary-General’s message on the International Day. The event was organized by the Department of Education of the Philippines and the Embassy of Israel to the Philippines.
Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines speaks at commemorative event for the Holocaust. Credit: UNIC Manila
UNIC New Delhi
UNIC New Delhi translated Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust into Hindi. On 25 January 2024, the UNIC disseminated the message both in English and Hindi to the print/digital media and social media accounts of NGOs, UNA, think tanks, the diplomatic community and educational institutions. The message was also posted on the UN in India website.
UNIC Tokyo
UNIC Tokyo translated the Secretary-General's message on the International Day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust into Japanese. The UNIC also raised awareness of the International Day by promoting the video message on its social media accounts.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Japanese. Credit: UNIC Tokyo
UNIC Yangon
At the invitation of the Embassy of Israel, Mr. Ye Htet Aung, National Information Officer and Head of UNIC Yangon delivered the Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and the message from Mr. Marcoluigi Corsi, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. and Country Representative in Myanmar. The Holocaust memorial event took place at the Embassy of Israel on 26 January. It was attended by representatives from the European Union and Brazil, along with other distinguished guests.
UNIC Yangon also translated the Secretary-General’s message into Burmese and published it on the UN Myanmar platforms.
Europe and the CIS
UNRIC Brussels (Italy)
UNRIC Brussels Italy Desk Office translated the Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust into Italian. The message has been published on the website and social media of the Office.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Italian. Credit: UNRIC Brussels (Italy)
The Italy Office also shared a video message from Professor Anna Foa, Holocaust scholar, on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Video message by Professor Anna Foa, Holocaust scholar. Credit: UNRIC Brussels (Italy)
UNIS Geneva
On 26 January 2024, the United Nations Office at Geneva held a commemorative event at the Palais des Nations to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The event was organized by UNIS Geneva, with support from the Permanent Mission of Israel and the Permanent Observer Mission of the European Union, and moderated by Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the UNIS Geneva. Speakers included Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UNOG; H.E. Ms. Meirav Eilon Shahar, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva; and H.E. Ms. Lotte Knudsen, Head of the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations Office at Geneva. Consistent with this year's theme, "Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust," the event, livestreamed by UN WebTV, concluded with a moving testimony from Holocaust survivor Martha Raviv, who shared her poignant story about her family's experience of loss and survival. The event included a moving musical performance by pianist Evgenia Pilyavina and violinist Maxim Siniskiy. Watch the event
Martha Raviv, Holocaust survivor, recounts her story to Margaux Creagh of the UN Information Service at Geneva, during the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Credit: UN Photo / Elma Okic
UNO Minsk
On 26 January 2024, on the eve of International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, an exhibition by the esteemed Belarusian photographer Anatoly Klyashchuk (1957-2023) titled My Righteous Among the Nations was inaugurated at the Beit Simcha Center in Minsk. This exhibition, organized by UNO Minsk in collaboration with the Religious Union for Progressive Judaism in Belarus, pays tribute to the individuals from Belarus who valiantly saved Jews during the Second World War.
Dignitaries from embassies, local authorities, religious groups, NGOs, educational institutions, and media attended the event. Mr. Mr. Erol Arduç, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Belarus also participated and delivered a speech during the ceremony for the International Day.
The exhibition aligns with the 2024 theme of Holocaust remembrance and education, "Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust," by presenting authentic accounts of Holocaust survivors and righteous individuals among nations who shared their testimonies. The primary objective of this exhibition is to educate and raise awareness about lessons of the Holocaust and highlight the significant role played by Belarusians in combating hatred, prejudice, and saving innocent lives. Through this educational initiative, individuals have gained insights into not only the resilience of Holocaust survivors but also the exceptional bravery displayed by Belarusians who risked their lives and those of their families.
Historical records indicate that during the Second World War, over two million Jews perished within the former Soviet Union, with more than 800,000 deaths occurring in Belarus alone. A substantial portion of the 30,000 surviving Jewish residents owe their lives to the courageous acts of those later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. As of 2022, Belarus has acknowledged 680 individuals as Righteous Among the Nations.
The exhibition is set to continue its display at prominent locations such as the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, the Historical Museum, and various major regional cities to further commemorate these acts of heroism and preserve this crucial chapter of history.
Guests at the "My Righteous Among the Nations" exhibition. Credit: UNO Minsk
UNIC Prague
On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, on 25 and 26 January 2024, UNIC Prague organized a series of educational seminars for upper elementary and secondary school students. The programme included an introduction to the topic, a screening of the film The Road to Nazi Genocide (in English with Czech subtitles) and a subsequent discussion.
UNIC Prague translated the Secretary-General's message on the International Day into Czech and promoted the video message with subtitles in Czech on social media.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Czech. Credit: UNIC Prague
UNIC Moscow
UNIC Moscow published a brochure titled The Righteous Among the Nations from the Territory of the Former Soviet Union. Selected stories. Part 3. The UNIC partnered with the Russian Research and Educational Holocaust Centre, Russian Jewish Congress, the Embassy of Israel in Moscow, and schools to distribute 50 copies of the printed brochures.
On 25 January 2024, Mr. Vladimir Kuznetsov, Director of UNIC Moscow addressed the opening of the 18th Annual Conference of Students and Young Researchers on Holocaust. In his remarks, he called on young researchers to continue their studies and underlined the UN’s role in keeping the memory of Holocaust alive.
Also on 25 January, the UNIC Director addressed The Keeper of Memory event, a key activity in the framework of the Holocaust Remembrance Week in Russia. He read out the Secretary-General’s message and delivered a statement. The laureates of the prize under the same name were awarded. The prize recognizes outstanding people who have made a significant contribution to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.
On 26 January, the Director of UNIC Moscow took part in a Holocaust-related event in Ekaterinburg. This event aimed at promoting awareness and remembrance in this specific region. The UNIC engaged with local communities and fostered a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its significance. The exhibition The Butterfly Project: Children and the Holocaust was held at the Synagogue in Ekaterinbourg and was opened by the esteemed Rabbi of Sverdlovsk region, Mr. Zelig Ashkenazi.
Left: Cover of the brochure. Right: Exhibition “The Butterfly Project: Children and the Holocaust” in Ekaterinbourg. Credit: UNIC Moscow
UNIS Vienna (Vienna and Hungary)
On 29 January 2024, more than 200 UN staff members and representatives of Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Vienna and the Jewish community in Austria gathered in the Rotunda of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) to participate in a commemorative ceremony, marking the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
After a performance by singer Mika Erlich and pianist Dror Binder, a memorial candle was lit and the Chief Cantor of the Vienna Main Synagogue recited the Jewish prayer of El Maleh Rachamim to mourn the victims of the Holocaust.
During the event, Dennis Thatchaichawalit, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), delivered the Secretary-General's message. In their remarks, Ambassador David Roet, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations in Vienna, and Ambassador Lindsay Skoll, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Vienna, spoke about the importance of learning from the past and battling the rising antisemitism and hatred around the world. The event, moderated by the Director of UNIS Vienna, Martin Nesirky, concluded with the testimony of Avraham Roet, a Holocaust survivor, and a musical performance. Watch the ceremony
Holocaust survivor Mr. Avraham Roet speaks at the commemorative ceremony at Vienna International Centre (VIC). Credit: UNIS Vienna
After the ceremony, the audience was invited to visit the exhibition Spots of Light: Women in the Holocaust and to join a film screening of the documentary The Last Survivors in the UNIS Vienna cinema room.
Exhibition “Spots of Light to be a women in the Holocaust” at Vienna International Centre (VIC). Credit: UNIS Vienna
Later in the evening, the same documentary was shown at the local arthouse cinema Top Kino as part of UNIS Vienna’s film series Ciné-ONU Vienna. Filmed by director Arthur Cary in 2019, the film depicts the stories of some of the last remaining Holocaust survivors living in the UK and follows them over the course of a year as they embark upon personal and profound journeys. After the screening, Holocaust survivor Avraham Roet, his granddaughter, Tal, and Regina Polak, Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Vienna and a researcher on interfaith dialogue, antisemitism, and racism joined a discussion, moderated by UNIS Director Martin Nesirky.
The ceremony and the film screenings were organized by the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna and the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN in Vienna, in cooperation with the United Kingdom Mission to the UN in Vienna and the support of the Center for Israel Studies Vienna.
UNIS Vienna has been working with the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (MAZSIHISZ), the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest, Hungary and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for a Hungarian version of the exhibition Some Were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust. The opening of the exhibition was held at the Rumbach Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary on 19 April 2024, marking the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust in Hungary. After three months at the Synagogue, the exhibition will be hosted at other locations in Budapest and in the countryside.
In April, the Holocaust Memorial Center at the Pava Street Synagogue held a two-day conference for museum educators and local Hungarian teachers on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the deportation of Hungarian Jews. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ran a workshop, primarily geared toward teachers, engaging them in activities developed for the Museum’s Some Were Neighbors educational work in Germany.
UNIC Warsaw
On 26 January 2024, UNIC Warsaw, together with the Shalom Foundation in Poland, participated in the official public ceremony organized by the Polish Ghetto Heroes Monument, the Jewish community and the City of Warsaw. Aleksandra Szorc, National Information Officer of UNIC Warsaw delivered the Secretary-General’s message. The event was well attended by officials and the people of Warsaw, and ended with wreath-laying by delegations of diplomatic corps, governmental representatives, and Jewish organizations in Poland.
Ceremony at the Polish Ghetto Heroes Monument. Credit: UNIC Warsaw