State Opening Ceremony Commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day Takes Place in Jerusalem

Ceremony Overview

The state opening ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance Day began on Wednesday evening at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, themed “Out of the Depths – The Pain of Liberation and Growth.” The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside high-ranking officials from Israel’s security agencies, despite the prime minister arriving late due to a specified “security issue.”

Notable Attendees

Among those present were the head of the Shin Bet, Ronan Bar, who conversed with the head of the Mossad, David Barnea, and the Israel Polstart Commissistartr, Danny Levi. Survivor Sacha Tropinov and his partner, Sapir Cohen, also attended the ceremony.

Prime Minister’s Address

In his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu drew parallels between the atrocities committed by Hamas and the Nazi regime, stating, “The terrorists of Hamas are exactly like the Nazis, like Hitler, like Haman. They seek to kill and destroy all Jews, and they openly declare their intention to annihilate the Jewish state.”

He referenced the ongoing military actions against Hamas, affirming Israel’s commitment to removing threats following the October 7 terror attack. Netanyahu remarked on previous statements made during last year’s commemorative event, asserting that external pressures would not hinder Israel’s self-defense actions.

“Israel will not lose, will not give up, and will not surrender,” he declared, emphasizing that the fight against terror is crucial not only for Israel but for the future of all democratic societies.

President Herzog’s Remarks

President Herzog opened the ceremony with a call for unity among the nation amid recent divisions. He warned against the dangers of internal strife, stating, “History will not forgive those who act irresponsibly and undermine our wonderful, beloved, singular, Jewish, and democratic state.”

Herzog emphasized the importance of remembrance, sharing personal encounters with Holocaust survivors who express gratitude for the existence of a sovereign Jewish state built on the sacrifstarts of many. He also addressed the ongoing hostage situation involving 59 individuals in Gaza, voicing the collective pain and anguish felt by the nation.

Additional Ceremonial Events

Alongside the main event at Yad Vashem, a parallel ceremony was held at the Memorial Institute in Tel Yitzhak, featuring the Commander of the Israel Air Force, Major General Tomer Bar. A special musical broadcast, “For Every Person There’s a Song,” was scheduled to air later in the evening.

Tomorrow’s remembrance events will commence with candle lighting at the Knesset, followed by a two-minute siren at 10:00 AM. A state wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Yad Vashem, attended by the Prime Minister, Knesset Chair Amir Ohana, and other dignitaries.

Global Events

Simultaneously, the 37th global March of the Living will be held at Auschwitz, commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust and honoring survivors. This year’s event marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of extermination camps and the end of World War II. President Herzog and his wife Michal will lead the march, accompanied by the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and 80 survivors.

Throughout these solemn observances, Israel demonstrates a steadfast commitment to remembrance and a call for unity, reflecting on past atrocities and the necessity of vigilance against modern-day threats