Mr. President,

Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel once wrote: “If anything can, it is memory that will save humanity… hope without memory is like memory without hope”.

Today, we reaffirm the vital importance of memory. This resolution memorializes the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. It recalls the legacy of 30 million stories, the vast majority of them untold. Those who were forced into bondage by the transatlantic slave trade suffered the gravest of injustices. Yet, among their stories – among those who suffered unimaginable cruelty and persecution – we find hope. We find so many who showed the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest of places.

The Jewish people know well the joys of freedom and the pain of persecution. As a free people, we built and re-built our national homeland in Israel. Today we strive to advance the principles of freedom, tolerance, and understanding, which have sustained the Jewish people for millennia.

This afternoon we join hands with the nations of the world in laying the foundation for a permanent memorial at the United Nations to honor the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. Israel is proud to have recently contributed $20,000 to support the construction of this memorial – and to have co-sponsored today’s important resolution.

The need for such a memorial is clear. It will complement the work of the UN’s existing outreach program. It will provide a permanent reminder to all delegates and visitors at UN Headquarters of the history and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade.

The vital importance of this effort is clear. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Yet, as we gather here today, many around the world are not free. Millions are enslaved. Many children are taught to hate. The evils of racism and prejudice continue to cause war and violence.  

Only through education, through remembrance, and through constant vigilance can we ensure that the tragedies of the past serve as clear lessons for the future. The United Nations has duty to take up this cause, with bold action and firm conviction. Israel joins with the international community today in advancing this work. Together we must extend a promise to our children that freedom must be universal, that dignity is inherent in every human being, and that we can never, ever, stand idle when another is enslaved.

Thank you, Mr. President.