On Tuesday, 30 January, the Embassy of the State of Israel in Accra joined the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ghana and the United Nations in Ghana to commemorate the 2024 International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Dignitaries who spoke at the commemoration expressed concern about the rise in anti-Semitism around the world, especially after the October 7 massacre by Hamas terrorists on innocent Israeli citizens.
Addressing guests at this year’s event, H.E. Shlomit Sufa, Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone used the occasion to reiterate Hamas’ October 7 atrocities and massacre on innocent Israeli citizens and the rise of anti-Semitism thereafter.
“In the past three months, we have witnessed a spike in antisemitism that the world has not seen since the 1930s. The rise in antisemitism after October 7th is astonishing, tragic, and dangerous,” says H.E. Shlomit Sufa.
She added that “once again, the Jewish people are killed by perpetrators of genocidal agenda - for being Jewish. Once again, Jews are told that their suffering is to be contextualized. That their rape is not worth global condemnation. That their fear of genocidal calls in the streets of so many countries – calling to wipe the Jewish State off the map - can be ignored.”
H.E. Shlomit Sufa therefore called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in preventing the spread of anti-Semitism.
“As Jew hatred spikes around the world, we must urgently act to ensure that the Jewish people can live safely, and Jewish life can thrive, be it in Kfar Aza, Kibbutz Be’eri or anywhere else in the world. Urgent action against anti-Semitism is required. There is no place in the 21st century for anti-Semitism!”
On his part, the UN Resident Coordinator to Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani reiterated the essence of commemorating the International Holocaust Memorial Day.
According to him, “on this solemn occasion of the 2024 Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the millions of innocent lives lost during the holocaust. We also pay tribute to the survivors and their families, who have shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable horrors.”
He explained that “this year’s theme, Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of victims and survivors of the holocaust, reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the bravery of those who resisted Nazi dehumanization and fought for their dignity and humanity. As we remember the survivors of Holocaust, let us not forget that the world continues to experience some of the traits of the Holocaust.”
He also expressed worry about the growing political instability, escalating hate and religious bigotry increasingly being driven and amplified through social media, artificial intelligence, and information technology.
“The purpose of our gathering here will be meaningless if we do not collectively take steps to address these disturbing occurrences. We have a collective responsibility to address the residual trauma, maintain effective remembrance policies and practices, care for the historic sites, promoting awareness, education, documentation, and research now more than ever over seven decades after the genocide.”
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E Daniel Krull recalled Germany’s dark past of gruesomely participating the Holocaust. He therefore reiterated Germany’s commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the UN Charta, including the respect for human rights for all and including the commitment to prevent genocide from happening.
He emphasized on Germany’s unwavering recognition of the right of the State of Israel to exist. “Never again Germany will rest when Jewish life is at danger. Germany will always help to ensure that Jews can live without fear in peace and security. This remains a never-ending obligation. In this vein, Germany has condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack led by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7.”
The commemoration also hosted Miriam Prager, a Holocaust Survivor who shared a touching story of her family and how she was able to survive the Holocaust.
On January 27 each year, the United Nations (UN) remembers the Holocaust that affected many people of Jewish origin during World War II. This day is called the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. It also commemorates when the Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland on January 27, 1945.
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