Nepal Marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day with Memorial Event and Exhibition
The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust was solemnly observed in Kathmandu with a Memorial Event and an exhibition titled “Auschwitz – A Place on Earth.” The event, organized by the Embassy of Israel in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, honored the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust and emphasized the global responsibility to prevent hatred and intolerance.
The memorial included the lighting of six candles, symbolizing the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. A poignant testimony from a Holocaust survivor was also screened, offering a harrowing yet inspiring account of survival amidst unimaginable suffering.
Dr. Surya Prasad Sharma Dhungel, Member of the National Human Rights Commission, reflected on the tragedy, stating, “The Holocaust was not just a European or Jewish tragedy; it was a failure of humanity itself. It reminds us of the dangers of normalizing hatred, unchecked prejudice, and the denial of justice.”
U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson conveyed a message of solidarity, emphasizing the shared duty to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and all forms of hatred. He also shared greetings from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed America’s commitment to Holocaust survivors and their heirs.
German Deputy Chief of Mission Benjamin Siedel, speaking on behalf of Ambassador Dr. Thomas Heinrich Prinz, underscored the importance of remembrance as a call to action. “The Holocaust began not with gas chambers but with words—words of hate and dehumanization. It’s our collective responsibility to stand against anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and discrimination,” he said.
Israeli Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass highlighted the importance of educating future generations to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust are never repeated. “On January 27, 2005, the UN marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a pivotal event that culminated in the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 60/7, designating January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” he said.
The ceremony included a choir performance by students of Himali Boarding School and a musical piece by students of Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School, enhancing the reflective atmosphere of the gathering.
The accompanying exhibition, “Auschwitz – A Place on Earth,” aims to educate the public about the brutality of the Holocaust and advocate for a future free of such atrocities. The exhibition will remain open at Himali Boarding School until February 2 and at Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School from February 3 to 9, with plans to expand to other venues thereafter.
This observance serves as a reminder of the global commitment to remembering the past, fostering education, and preventing hatred from taking root in any society.
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