2022 Holocaust Remembrance and Education
Calendar of Events | Secretary-General's Message | Statements | Webcast | Media Coverage | UNICs
Clockwise from top left: Holocaust survivors Vered Kater (2022), Rabbi Arthur Schneier (2021), Ella Blumenthal (1938), Pinchas Gutter (2021), Vered Kater (age 4), Ella Blumenthal (2022).
Credits: Ricardo Wolokita, Nathan Beriro, Courtesy of Ella Blumenthal, Nathan Beriro, Courtesy of Vered Kater, Sean O’Sullivan.
Calendar of Events
January | February | April | May | June | September
“Memory, Dignity and Justice”
In 2022, the theme guiding the United Nations Holocaust remembrance and education is “Memory, Dignity and Justice”. Holocaust commemoration and education is a global imperative in the third decade of the 21st century. The writing of history and the act of remembering brings dignity and justice to those whom the perpetrators of the Holocaust intended to obliterate. Safeguarding the historical record, remembering the victims, challenging the distortion of history often expressed in contemporary antisemitism, are critical aspects of claiming justice after atrocity crimes. The theme encompasses these concerns.
Holocaust commemorative and educational activities will draw attention to the actions taken by Holocaust survivors in the immediate years following the devastation and brutality of the Holocaust, to reclaim their rights, their history, their cultural heritage and traditions, and their dignity. The role played by institutions and individuals in supporting survivors, the long-reaching impact of the Holocaust on survivors’ families, and the impact of the Holocaust on the shaping of human rights policy and interventions will be explored. The theme encourages action to challenge hatred, strengthen solidarity and champion compassion. The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme is an expression of the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to promoting human rights, to countering antisemitism and racism, and to preventing future genocide.
20 January – 28 February 2022
Exhibition “After the End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps”
Europe emerged from the Second World War utterly broken, with millions of refugees scattered across many countries. The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) was created to resettle those displaced by the mayhem of the war and the Holocaust. The fragments from the past illuminate the work of UNRRA administrators, and chart how, in the aftermath of catastrophic loss, Holocaust survivors navigated their new lives in displaced persons camps. The exhibition is sourced with artefacts and documents from the United Nations Archives and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Archives, and draws upon the expertise of the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity at the Graduate Center—CUNY. The exhibition was created by the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, together with the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Archives, and the United Nations Archives, and with generous support of Stockton University.
Monday, 24 January 2022
“Holocaust Remembrance: Responsibilities for All Society”
For its annual United Nations event in conjunction with International Holocaust Remembrance Day – this month marking 17 years of observance by the world body – B’nai B’rith International presented a global virtual programme entitled, “Holocaust Remembrance: Responsibilities for All Society”. The event included keynote remarks by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and messages from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. Best practices were highlighted by an array of diverse, distinguished speakers including Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem; Irwin Cotler, Canadian Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism; Ellen German, United States Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues; Tracey Petersen, Manager of The United Nations and the Holocaust Outreach Programme; Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life; Fernando Lottenberg, the Organization of American States Commissioner to Monitor and Combat Antsemitism; Kathrin Meyer, Executive Secretary, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA); Daniel Lörcher, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Borussia Dortmund; Tibi Galiş, Executive Director, Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide; and Omar Al Busaidy, USA CEO, Sharaka. Daniel S. Mariaschin, the CEO of B’nai B’rith International, delivered opening remarks and B'nai B'rith President Seth Riklin gave closing remarks. The event was moderated by David Michaels, B’nai B’rith Director of UN and Intercommunal Affairs, and Alina Bricman, Director of European Union Affairs. The event was organized by B’nai B’rith International.
Tuesday, 25 January 2022
Park East Synagogue Holocaust Commemoration Service
Park East Synagogue hosted a virtual Holocaust Commemoration Service marking the 77th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Rabbi Arthur Schneier delivered remarks. The event included the participation of the diplomatic corps, Holocaust Survivors' families, Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School students and music by Chief Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky and the Park East Synagogue Choir, led by Conductor Maestro Russell Ger.
Thursday, 27 January 2022
United Nations Chamber Music Society Virtual Concert
The United Nations Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council performed a virtual concert in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The classical music programme featured Jewish composers, to instill the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again. It also featured special performances from musicians from Maestro Daniel Barenboim’s West–Eastern Divan Orchestra. In addition, the concert featured artwork by Roy Nachum. Founded in 2016, the United Nations Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and cooperation, through the universal language of music.
Virtual seminar “Legacy of Medicine During the Holocaust and its Contemporary Relevance"
A virtual seminar “Legacy of Medicine During the Holocaust and its Contemporary Relevance” was presented by Hedy S. Wald, PhD, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and Sabine Hildebrandt, MD, Harvard Medical School. Both Drs. Wald and Hildebrandt are Commissioners of the Lancet Commission on Medicine and the Holocaust, and Dr. Hildebrandt serves as co-chair. The Lancet Commission on Medicine and the Holocaust, has urged the development of “educational approaches using this history to promote ethical conduct, compassionate identity formation, and moral development.” This seminar catalyzed critical thinking on the relevance of the Holocaust for contemporary medicine and help health care trainees and professionals reflect on their core values in the service of humanistic and ethically responsible patient care.
United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
Download the Programme and watch the recording of the Commemoration
Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications hosted the ceremony. The event included remarks by United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 76th session of the General Assembly; the Permanent Representatives of Israel and the United States; Dr. Petra Gelbart, granddaughter of Romani Holocaust survivors Helena “Margita” Nová and Antonín “Ruda” Hránek, and Mr. Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivors Marion and Elie Wiesel. Professor John K. Roth delivered the keynote address. The ceremony included testimonies from Holocaust survivors from Canada, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Mr. Pinchas Zukerman and Mr. Shai Wosner performed a musical piece. Cantor Daniel Mendelson, Congregation Kol Ami, New York recited memorial prayers.
Lest We Forget: Combating Holocaust Denial and Distortion
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a historic resolution calling for action to combat Holocaust denial and distortion as antisemitism continues to surge globally. What further measures can the United Nations, governments, and social media companies take to combat Holocaust denial and distortion? How can they promote more effective Holocaust education and ensure that victims are never forgotten? On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Irwin Cotler, an acclaimed scholar, human rights advocate, and Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, was in conversation with Felice Gaer, Director of AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights. This briefing was organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC).
Thursday, 3 February 2022
Civil Society Briefing “The Future of Memory: Holocaust Remembrance, History and New Media”
The virtual briefing examined how memories of the Holocaust were kept and discussed through new media, and the implications for Holocaust history. Panellists considered the role of new media as an increasingly important tool for educating the public, especially youth, about the Holocaust, as well as combating Holocaust denial and distortion, antisemitism, and other identity-based hatreds.
The panellists include: Eva Pfanzelter, Associate Professor, Department of Contemporary History, University of Innsbruck; Victoria Grace Walden, Director of Learning Enhancement and Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Arts and Humanities, University of Sussex; Stefania Manca, Research Director, Institute of Educational Technology of the National Research Council of Italy; Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication and Journalism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Karel Fracapane, Programme Specialist, UNESCO; Cory Weiss, Director of Digital Advocacy and Deputy Director of Communications, World Jewish Congress and Julana Bredtmann, Program Officer, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, delivered opening remarks. The event was moderated Robert Skinner, Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement, Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Global Communications.
Thursday, 10 February 2022
Virtual Film Discussion “The Last Survivors”
The documentary, “The Last Survivors” gathers together the compelling and, in some cases, never-before-heard testimony from Holocaust survivors living in Britain today. All of these extraordinary people were children during the Holocaust, but now in their later years, they reflect on their experiences with a different perspective and understanding of how this past trauma permeates through to their contemporary lives with increased significance. The panel discussion included Arthur Cary, director of “The Last Survivors”; Maurice Blik, sculptor, Holocaust survivor featured in the fllm, and Professor Deborah Dwork, Holocaust historian and author of the seminal work “Children with a Star: Jewish youth in Nazi Europe” and Director of the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity at the Graduate Center—CUNY. The opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador James Roscoe, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, and Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming.
Thursday, 17 February 2022
Virtual Discussion "Where Do I Belong? Holocaust Survivors Return to Vienna"
Dr. Elisabeth Anthony discussed her new book, “The Compromise of Return: Viennese Jews after the Holocaust” with Professor Albert Lichtblau, Universität Salzburg. The book explores the motivations and expectations that inspired Viennese Jews to re-establish lives in their hometown after the devastation and trauma of the Holocaust. Dr. Anthony investigates their personal, political, and professional endeavours, revealing the contours of their experiences of returning to a post-Nazi society. Dr. Anthony weaves together archival documentation with oral histories, interviews, memoirs, and personal correspondence to craft a multi-layered, multi-vocal narrative of return focused on the immediate post-war years.
The event is part of the discussion series “Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons”, organized by the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes against Humanity, the Graduate Center, CUNY and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, NYU.
Wednesday, 27 April 2022
Meet the Author with Menachem Rosensaft, “Poems Born in Bergen-Belsen”
On 27 April a book signing and discussion with Menachem Z. Rosensaft, author of “Poems Born in Bergen-Belsen” took place at the United Nations Bookshop. Menachem Z. Rosensaft was born in 1948, in a displaced persons camp established near the Nazi concentration camp Bergen-Belsen in Germany. He is the Founding Chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and serves as the General Counsel and Associate Executive Vice President of the World Jewish Congress. Through his poetry, Mr. Rosensaft articulates his journey as the son of Holocaust survivors, with the hope to sensitize readers to the horrors of the Holocaust, and to inspire empathy for all survivors of genocide.
Thursday, 28 April 2022
Virtual Discussion "Fleeing a Home, Seeking a Home: Jewish Refugees in Modern Times"
The panellists explored the experiences of thousands of Jews who left their homes in Ukraine in the wake of the anti-Jewish violence unleashed during the Russian Civil War; of thousands of Polish Jews who during the Holocaust, fled and were deported by the Soviets to Central Asia; and of thousands of Moroccan Jews, who immigrated to Israel shortly after the establishment of the Jewish state.
Panellists included Eliyana Adler, Associate Professor of Hisotry and Jewish Studies, Pennsylvanie State University, Shay Hazkani, Assistant Professor of Hisotry and Jewish Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Jeff Veidlinger, Joseph Brodsky Collegiate Professor of Hisotyr and Judaic Studies, University of Michigan. Chaired by Elissa Bemporad, Professor of History and the Jerry and William Ungar Professor in Eastern European Jewish Hisotry and the Holocaust, Queens College and the Graduate Center, CUNY.
The event is part of the discussion series “Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons”, organized by the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes against Humanity, the Graduate Center, CUNY and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, NYU.
Wednesday, 11 May 2022
Virtual Discussion “In the East: The Neglected History of Holocaust Refugees in Soviet Gulags, Central Asia, and the Middle East”
A conversation with two eminent scholars about Mikhal Dekel’s book, “In the East: How My Father and a Quarter Million Polish Jews Survived the Holocaust”. Dekel’s book presents a unique narrative about the Polish refugees fleeing the terror of the Holocaust en route to the Soviet Central Asian Republics and the Middle East.
Thursday, 16 June 2022
Virtual Discussion “Fighting Hate Speech: Global Perspectives”
This event will highlight the activities in terms of teaching, research, and community engagement that are carried out in universities and colleges to counter hate speech on campus and beyond, and the contribution of the work of institutions of higher education to create awareness and change policies in this regard. Moreover, and through the opinion of experts in the field with roles in international organizations, we will share ideas on how to reinforce the role of academia to address the challenges derived from hate speech. This event is episode 7 of the discussion series Beyond the long shadow: engaging with difficult histories.
Thursday, 29 September 2022
Virtual Discussion “Forgotten, Ignored, and Distorted Histories of Romani People: Past and Present”
Groundbreaking scholars Ethel Brooks, Ioanida Costache, and László Csősz move between past and present and draw upon testimonies and documents as they plumb the history of anti-Roma racist violence, and the erasure of that history even as the violence persists.
The event is part of the discussion series “The Marginalized and the Erased”, organized by The Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity (The Graduate Center – City University of New York) in association with the School of General Studies and the Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (Stockton University) and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies (New York University).
Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Virtual Discussion "Race" and Racism: Roots of Atrocity Crimes
Join us for a discussion that focuses on the relationship of so-called “race theory” and racism to the committing of atrocity crimes and genocide, and how the belief in “race” shaped the history and the legacy of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The discussion is Episode 8 of the "Beyond the long shadow: engaging with difficult histories" live discussion series.
Thursday, 10 November 2022
Panel Discussion "Music and the Holocaust: History, Memory and Justice"
What is the relationship of music to the Holocaust – what meaning did music come to hold for the victims of the Nazis, and what place does it have in adding to our understanding of the history of the Holocaust? What place does it have in Holocaust commemoration, memory and education? Why is it important to perform pieces composed during the Holocaust, or by composers who did not survive the Holocaust? How do contemporary musicians respond to the history of the Holocaust? Join the conversation with the panel comprising historian Jay Grymes, Composer and conductor, Victoria Bond, Noreen Green and violinist Renée Jolles.
Secretary-General's Message
on The International Day of Commemoration
in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
27 January 2022
Statements
Remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations
Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Statement by UN Human Rights Experts
Message from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Webcast
Media Coverage
UN remembers ‘unprecedented horror and calculated cruelty’ of the Holocaust
Bachelet: ‘We need to push back against hatred’
Pledge to ‘never forget’ the Holocaust, Guterres tells synagogue ceremony
First Person: The Holocaust, genocide, and war
When you lived through it, the Holocaust ‘never leaves you’
The International Day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust: Why it matters? by Tracey Petersen
Holocaust Museums Commemorate Victims and Provide Perspective for the Future by Emile Schrijver
UN Catch-Up Dateline Geneva: The last Holocaust survivors
UN General Assembly approves resolution condemning Holocaust denial
When you lived through it, the Holocaust ‘never leaves you’
First Person: Holocaust survivor, ‘hate is vicious’
2022 Holocaust Remembrance Activities around the World
Africa | Americas | Asia and Pacific | Arab States | Europe and the CIS
In 2022, despite the difficult circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, the United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) and Resident Coordinator's Offices (RCOs) organized events and activities in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. In several instances, UNICS and RCOs collaborated with UNESCO field officers to produce outreach activities. Below are reports, including photos and links, received from 30 UNICs.
Africa
UNIC Accra, Ghana
On 27 January 2022, UNIC Accra joined the Embassies of Israel and Germany in Accra and members of the diplomatic corps in an commemorative event to remember and honour the victims of the Holocaust. The event was attended by 50 participants. Speakers included Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana; H. E. Ms. Shlomit Sufa, Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone; H. E. Mr. Daniel Krul, Ambassador of Germany to Ghana; Dr. Roy Horovitz, Bar-Ilan University, Israel; and Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani (standing centre) with other dignitaries holding the #WeRemember signs. Photo credit: UNIC Accra
UNIC Antananarivo, Madagascar
In early February 2022, UNIC Antananarivo organized awareness raising and human rights advocacy activities targeting youth, students and teachers. Young people were encouraged to become more involved in fighting against discrimination and hate speech and reducing inequalities. The UNIC also scheduled a master class and a traveling exhibition.
UNIC Bujumbura, Burundi
On 4 February 2022, UNIC Bujumbura and Lycée Municipal de Musaga, one of Bujumbura's secondary schools, co-organized an educational outreach activity to commemorate the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. 150 students from the Lycée participated in the activity. The programme included welcoming remarks by the Director of the Lycée; a briefing on the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme by Mr. Desire Ndagijimana, National Information Officer of UNIC Bujumbura; and screening of the film The Path to Nazi Genocide with French subtitles. UNIC Bujumbura also displayed the exhibition "A Brief History of Holocaust", followed by a discussions and Q&A session about the Holocaust and the danger of racism and xenophobia.
UNIC Dakar, Senegal
On 27 January 2022, UNIC Dakar observed the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust with an online event. Speakers include Mr. Giancarlo Summa, Director of UNIC Dakar; H. E. Mr. Sönke Siemon, Ambassador of Germany to Senegal; H. E. Mr. Ben Bourgel, Ambassador of Israel to Senegal; and Ms. Liliane Barr-Nea, Holocaust survivor. The Secretary-General's video message with French subtitles was shared through social media.
Holocaust survivor Liliane Barr-Nea. Photo credit: UNIC Dakar
UNIC Lagos, Nigeria
In observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, UNIC Lagos held two educational briefings: on 26 January 2022 with students from 50 schools in Lagos State Education District 1 Agege; and on 27 January with students from 32 schools in Lagos State Education District VI, Oshodi. The briefings provided insight into the events leading to the Holocaust and promoted the values of human rights, tolerance and compassion. Both briefings included a presentation titled Facts About the Holocaust, the screening of the film "The Path to Nazi Genocide" and the exhibit "Some Were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust".
Educational workshops on Holocaust remembrance organized by UNIC Lagos. Photo credit: UNIC Lagos
UNIC Lusaka, Zambia
On 27 January 2022, UNIC Lusaka organized a virtual outreach event to honour the memory of the victums of the Holocaust. The commemoration included a moment of silence, and remarks by Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia; H. E. Mr. Stanley Kakubo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, represented by Mr. Chembo Mbula, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Administration; and Rabbi Shalomi Abutbul, Representative from the Zambia Council of Jewry.
Pupils from Ibenga Girls Secondary School in Luanshya attend the virtual commemoration. Photo credit: UNIC Lusaka
The programme also featured the screening of a short documentary "Some Were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust" and a discussion moderated by UNESCO. Participants included journalists, NGOs, teachers, members of United Nations school-based clubs from Mujala Secondary School and Ibenga Girls Secondary School and Youth of United Nations clubs from the University of Zambia in Lusaka and Mulungushi University in Kabwe.
UNIC Nairobi,Kenya
On 27 January 2022, UNIC Nairobi hosted a virtual event on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Participants included Mr. Nasser Nasser Ega-Musa, Director of UNIC Nairobi; Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi; H. E. Mr. Thomas Wimmer, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Kenya; H. E. Ms. Dvora Dorsman Yarkoni, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Kenya; and Ms. Sylvane Chongwon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya. A film titled "The Final Solution" was screened during the event. Watch the event.
Virtual event on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: UNIC Nairobi
UNIC Pretoria, South Africa
On 27 January, UNIC Pretoria, in partnership with Education Africa and the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, hosted an educational programme about the work of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the Holocaust. Some 70 students and their teachers from the Masibabane School in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, attended the programme, which included the Secretary-General's video message and testimony from a Holocaust survivior. The importance of combatting discrimination and prejudice and genocide prevention were highlighted.
In partnership with the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, UNIC Pretoria also participated in a formal event in commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust on 27 January. The event was opened by Mr. Masimba Tafirenyika, Director of UNIC Pretoria. Among the audience were the Ambassadors of Israel and Germany to South Africa, and special guest Dr. Astrid Ley, Deputy Head of Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, head scientist and exhibition curator at Sachsenhausen. The Secretary-General's video message and testimonies of survivors were screened.
Americas
UNIC Asunción, Paraguay
UNIC Asunción hosted a special hybrid event in collaboration with the Embassy of Germany, the Consulate of Israel and the Walter Kochman Jewish Museum. The event focused on Holocaust denial, its reasons and consequences. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Mario Samaja, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Paraguay; Ms. Ruth Kohan, Director of the Walter Kochman Jewish Museum in Asunción; H. E. Mr. Holger Scherf, Ambassador of Germany to Paraguay; Dr. Jorge Brizuela, Paraguay's Director General of Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Professor David Velázquez Seiferheld; Ms. Flora Tauber, daughter of a Holocaust survivor; and Mr. Andrés Colmán Gutiérrez, journalist and author; and Mr. Alejandro Rubín, the Honorary Consul of Israel. Watch the event.
Special hybrid event on Holocaust denial. Photo credit: UNIC Asunción
UNIC Bogota, Colombia
On 27 January, UNIC Bogota organized a commemorative event to honour the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The event was held in the Gr. Saulo Gil Ramirez Sendoya Auditorium of the Miguel Antonio Lleras Pizarro Police Graduate School. The video messages of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Ms. Mireia Villar Forner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Colombia were screened. The Ambassadors of Israel and Germany to Colombia, members of the Jewish community including Mr. Jean Claude Bessudo, President of the Confederation of Jewish Communities of Colombia and the President of Aviatur, the biggest tourism company in Colombia, delivered remarks. Some 100 participants attended the event in person and 1,000 attended virtually. On 27 January, the Colpatria Tower in Bogotá was illuminated for four hours with the phrase "We Remember" and the image of a candle in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Commemorative event honouring the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: UNIC Bogotá
UNIC Buenos Aires, Argentina
On the 27 January, AMIA and United Nations Argentina screened "Sara and Paula", and urged new generations to commit to commemorating the Holocaust. Watch the recording.
Screenshot from the video "Sara and Paula". Photo credit: UNIC Buenos Aires
UNIC Mexico City, Mexico
To mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, UNIC Mexico City organized a ceremony on 1 March in the Centenario de la Revolución Public Library in the Municipality of Metepec, State of Mexico. Ms. Carmen Morales, Director of UNIC Mexico a.i., and the Human Rights Defender of Metepec, Mexican State delivered remarks. At the end of the ceremony the audience was asked to sign paper butterflies with messages of peace. These messages were added to the exhibit, "The Butterfly Project", at the Centenario de la Revolución Public Library. The Library will display the exhibits "The Butterfly Project" and "Some Were Neighbours: Choice, Human Behaviour, and the Holocaust" to the public until the middle of the year.
Exhibits at the Centenario de la Revolución Library. Photo credit: UNIC Mexico City
The Centenario de la Revolución Public Library held Cineclub sessions screening "Who Will Write Our Story" on 24 February and "The Accountant of Auschwitz" on 3 March. UNIC Mexico City organized a roundtable discussion on human rights was organized as part of a cineclub session. These activities were open to the public.
UNIC Panama City, Panama
On 25 January, the documentary The Judge of the Just was screened for members of the diplomatic corps and the media, with the participation of H. E. Ms. Ana Luisa Castro, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of Panama; H. E. Mr. Itai Bardov, Ambassador of Israel to Panama; H. E. Mr. Fabrizio Nicolettí, Ambassador of Italy to Panama; and Ms. Janibeth Miranda, Head of UNIC Panama City. On 27 January, the Embassy of Israel, the Friends of Yad Vashem and the Museum of Freedom organized a solemn ceremony and candle lighting to remember the victims of the Holocaust. The ceremony was attended by H. E. Mr. Itai Bardov, Ambassador of Israel, representatives of Yad Vashem, and Ms. Janibeth Miranda representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Panama. Watch the event On 2 February, a solemn ceremony took place in the National Assembly to remember the victims of the Holocaust. The event included speeches by H. E. Mr. Itai Bardov, Ambassador of Israel to Panama and Mr. Cristian Munduate, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Panama. A candle lighting ceremony followed.
Solemn ceremony and candle lighting in the National Assembly. Photo credit: UNIC Panama City
UNIC Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
On 30 January, the Jewish Federation in Rio de Janeiro (FIERJ) organized an event with 90 participants to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. UNIC Rio de Janeiro added Portuguese subtitles to the video message of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres that was screened at the opening of the ceremony. The event included the participation of H. E. Mr. Daniel Zonshine, Ambassador of Israel to Brazil, Holocaust survivors Mr. Fred Sabotka and Ms. Edith Yanitchkis; FIERJ President Mr. Alberto Klein and Mr. Marcelo Calero, the Secretary of Education of Rio de Janeiro. Watch the recording.
Event on Holocaust remembrance organized by the Jewish Federation in Rio de Janeiro. Photo credit: UNIC Rio de Janeiro
Asia and Pacific
UNIC Canberra, Australia
UNIC Canberra interviewed Dr. Frances Newell, whose mother and grandfather were part of a network that helped Jews, political dissidents and other persecuted groups escape the horrors of the Nazi regime. The interview was developed into a podcast titled "The Suitcase of Courage". The interview also focused on hate speech. The piece was used by UN Radio.
Photo credit: Michael Hamel-Green
UNIC Dhaka, Bangladesh
UNIC Dhaka translated United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust into Bangla and shared the message with media outlets, the United Nations Communications Group and the Resident Coordinator's Office. Bangla Daily - Alokito Bangladesh published the Bangla translation of the message in full text, enabling it to reach wider local audiences.
UNIC Kathmandu, Nepal
As a prelude to the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, United Nations in Nepal partnered with the Embassy of Germany, the Embassy of Israel, the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal and the youth-led nongovernmental organization Yuwalaya to organize a workshop for young people on countering hate speech and promoting human rights. The programme was moderated by Mr. Araj Gautam, Program Coordinator of Yuwalaya, with remarks and presentations by Mr. Santosh Maharjan, President of Yuwalaya; H. E. Dr. Thomas Prinz, Ambassador of Germany to Nepal; H.E. Mr. Hanan Goder Goldberger, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal; and Ms. Simrika Sharma, United Nations in Nepal.
Speakers at the virtual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, UNIC Kathmandu. Photo credit: UNIC Kathmandu
On 27 January, UNIC Khatmandu organized an online Holocaust Memorial Ceremony. Mr. Richard Howard, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Nepal; H.E. Mr. Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal; H.E Dr. Thomas Prinz, German Ambassador to Nepal and H.E Ms. Nona Deprez, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal delivered remarks. The highlights of the ceremony included a Holocaust-themed musical performance by the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory. Mr. Ephraim Eisenmann, a 74 year old Holocaust survivor delivered the keynote speech. Real-time captioning, multilingual translation and sign language interpretation for nonverbal communication were enabled to ensure the accessibility of the virtual event. UNV youth network and several colleges including the National Open College, St. Xavier College, Southwestern State College and Santwona Multiple College, were mobilized to participate in the event.
UNIC New Delhi, India
On 31 January, UNIC New Delhi, UNESCO New Delhi Office, Alliance Française de Delhi and the Embassy of Israel in India partnered with diplomatic missions in India to convene a Holocaust Memorial Ceremony. The event was streamed via Facebook Live.
Ceremony in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: UNIC New Delhi
UNIC Tokyo, Japan
UNIC Tokyo raised awareness of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust through social media, including the Secretary-General's message on the International Day with subtitles in Japanese.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Japanese. Photo credit: UNIC Tokyo
UNIC Yangon, Myanmar
UNIC Yangon partnered with the Mesmuah Yeshua Synagogue in Yangon to host a solemn event commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. The event was broadcast live as COVID-19 restrictions limited the number of attendees. The Secretary-General's message was read out by the Mr. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Myanmar. Mr. Ronen Gilor, the Former Ambassador of Israel to Myanmar, together with the Officer-in-Charge of the Embassy of Israel; the leader of the Jewish Community in Yangon, and Ambassadors of the United States and France to Myanmar delivered remarks. Tracey Petersen, Manager of the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, gave a lecture on the United Nations and Holocaust Education. Six memorial candles provided by Yad Vashem were lit and a minute of silence followed. UNIC Yangon also exhibited the winning posters of “Keeping the Memory Alive”, the International Design Student Poster Competition, jointly organized by Yad Vashem and the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme.
Holocaust remembrance event organized by UNIC Yangon. Photo credit: UNIC Yangon
Arab States
UNIC Manama, Bahrain
In observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, Mr. Mohamed Zarkani, acting United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Bahrain, together with representatives of the Embassy of Germany and the Embassy of Israel participated in the #WeRemember social media campaign.
Representatives join the #WeRemember initiative. Photo credit: UNIC Manama
UNIC Rabat, Morocco
On 27 January, UNIC Rabat and the Mimouna Association partnered to commemorate the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The commemoration took place virtually through Zoom and included the participation of Mr. Fethi Debbabi, Director of UNIC Rabat; Mr. André Azoulay, Senior Advisor of H.E. Mohammed VI, King of Morocco; the Chargés d’Affaires of the Embassies of the United States and Israel; Dr. Jamaa Baida, Director of the Moroccan Archives; eminent academia and historians, students, members of NGOs and the Moroccan Jewish community. The commemorative event received impressive media interest and coverage in French, Arabic and English.
Commemorative event on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: UNIC Rabat
Europe and the CIS
UNIC Ankara, Turkey
UNIC Ankara disseminated the United Nations Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, through social media with subtitles in Turkish.
Screenshot of the Secretary-General's message with subtitles in Turkish. Photo credit: UNIC Ankara
UNO Baku, Azerbaijan
To mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust on 27 January 2022, UNO Baku partnered with the Embassies of Israel and the Netherlands, as well as the Centre for the Analysis of International Relations (a local think tank) and ADA University to organize a conference on combating antisemitism, hate speech, xenophobia and racism. The event brought together over 90 government officials, diplomats, researchers and representatives of civil society and the media. Participants listened to Holocaust survivor Mr. Lev Zakharovich Shvartz and engaged in a panel discussion on the danger of antisemitism, xenophobia and racism, and the possible actions to countering these.
From 24 to 30 January 2022, UNO Baku and its partners launched a social media campaign that featured seven influencers reading excerpts from the Diary of Anne Frank. Fourteen videos were produced with the introduction and subtitles in Azerbaijani and English.
Screenshots of videos of the social media campaign. Photo credit: UNO Baku
UNRIC Brussels, Belgium
UNRIC Brussels marked the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust by sharing across social media platforms an article written by the UNRIC on Mr. Simon Gronowski, a Belgian Holocaust survivor. UNRIC Brussels also shared with journalists the Secretary-General's message. The message was also published in the Brussels Times. The UNRIC Desk Office in Italy translated into Italian the Secretary-General's message and widely disseminated to the Desk's recipients. The message was also posted on the website and social media and shared with key national media partners. RAI, Italy's stateowned broadcasting station, broadcast the video message several times during the day with Italian subtitles.
Holocaust survivor Simon Gronowski. Photo credit: UNRIC Brussels
UNIS Geneva
On 26 January, UNIS Geneva organized a virtual screening of the documentary series "Les Derniers" (The Last Ones), with the support of the Permanent Missions of Israel and France and the Centre d’accueil de la Genève internationale. A panel discussion on the challenge of safeguarding the memory of Holocaust survivors was held with Ms. Sophie Nahum, Film Director and Mr. Yoni Berrous, Yad Vashem. Mr. Rhéal LeBlanc, Chief, Press and External Relations of UNIS Geneva moderated the discussion. 260 participants attended the discussion virtually. The event also had 2,100 views on the Facebook Live hosted by the Permanent Mission of Israel. UNIS Geneva recorded a L’invitée de la semaine podcast episode with Ms. Sophie Nahum on the document series. Listen to the podcast.
On 27 January, around 120 guests attended the official ceremony for the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The ceremony was held at the Palais des Nations. Close to 400 followed the live webcast and an additional 450 watched the recording of the ceremony on demand afterwards. The hybrid ceremony was organized with the support of the permanent mission of Israel to the United Nations in Geneva and the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in Geneva.
Holocaust survivor Emma Adjadj (far left) joins DG Valovaya, Ambassadors Shahar and Knudsen and two students
from a local Jewish school to light candles in memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: UNIS Geneva
Speakers at the ceremony included Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of United Nations Geneva; H. E. Ms. Meirav Eilon Shahar, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva; H. E. Ms. Lotte Knudsen, Head of Delegation of the European Union; and Holocaust survivor Ms. Emma Adjadj. Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director of UNIS Geneva served as the host of the ceremony. The baroque ensemble Kaïros, featuring two sonatas by J. S. Bach concluded the ceremony. Watch the ceremony
UNO Kiyv, Ukraine
Ms. Osnat Lubrani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, joined the #WeRemember initiative, with a call for the audience to also take part in the initiative in honour of the victims of the Holocaust.
Ms. Osnat Lubrani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine joined the #WeRemember initiative. Photo credit: UNO Kyiv
UN Minsk, Belarus
On 27 January, the United Nations in Belarus took part in the commemorative events dedicated to the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Ms. Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Belarus participated in the ceremonial signing of a memorial ketubah in the Beit Simcha Centre in the presence of the Plenipotentiary for religions and nationalities, representatives of the embassies of Austria, Germany, Israel, Poland, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom and other countries and the Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim communities of Belarus. Together with the representatives of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic corps and religious communities, Ms. Alexandra Solovieva, the UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus, took part in the memorial ceremony in the Yama Memorial Complex.
The commemorative event on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Photo credit: United Nations in Belarus
UNIC Moscow, Russian Federation
UNIC Moscow published a brochure titled "The Righteous among the Nations from the Territory of the Former Soviet Union". Selected Stories in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The stories were based on materials from the archives of Yad Vashem. UNIC Moscow also submitted "The Last Flight of Petr Ginz" for screening at the Tsiolkovsky International Space Film Festival, to take place on 12-16 April with the support of Israeli Embassy in Moscow.
UNIC Prague, Czech Republic
UNIC Prague organized a series of educational programmes on the Holocaust for primary and secondary school students, which included an introduction of the topic, a screening of the film "The Road to the Nazi Genocide" and a subsequent discussion.
UNIS Vienna, Austria
UNIS Vienna organised commemorative and educational activities in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. On 27 January, UNIS Vienna co-organized a virtual commemorative ceremony on 27 January with the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations in Vienna. The online event featured the lighting of a memorial candle, a prayer and special messages from the United Nations Secretary-General; H. E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations in Vienna; and H. E. Mr. Yair Lapid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Watch the ceremony.
The exhibition After the "End of the World: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps" was displayed at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) from 26 January to 3 February. The exhibition was visited by H.E. Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria.
On 24 January, Ciné-ONU Vienna and the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations in Vienna, in cooperation with Ciné-ONU Brussels, the French Embassy in Austria and the Center for Israel Studies, Vienna held an online screening of the film Box for Life. Following the screening, Mr. Uri Borreda, Film Director; Ms. Iris Lifschitz Klieger, journalist and daughter of Holocaust survivor, Mr. Noah Klieger; and Mr. Shlomo Balsam, Instructor at Yad Vashem joined a discussion moderated by Mr. Martin Nesirky, Director of UNIS Vienna.
On 27 January, in Hungary, UNIS Vienna and the International Diplomatic Student Association (IDSA) jointly held a virtual Ciné-ONU Budapest film screening of "The Last Survivors" followed by a panel discussion with experts from the University of Jewish Studies and the Holocaust Memorial Center in Budapest. On 27 January, in Slovakia, UNIS Vienna supported events at the Levice Business School, including a workshop for students, and the display of the exhibition Seeing Auschwitz.