24 January 2013
By Shemi Tzur
Israeli Ambassador To New Zealand Praises New Zealand For Raising Holocaust Awareness
On Sunday 27 January the international community will remember the tragedies of the Holocaust on the day that has been
marked as U.N. International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The Prime Minster the Rt. Hon. John Key, along with dignitaries of the Auckland community will be taking part in a
special ceremony commemorating the International Holocaust Day. A uniquely New Zealand produced Holocaust Exhibition
called Shadows of Shoah will be officially launched by the Prime Minister.
Additional to the Auckland function, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and Minster Christopher Finlayson along with
members of the community will remember the day on Sunday 27 January at Makara cemetery and at the Holocaust Centre of
New Zealand.
In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as the annual international day of commemoration to
honor the victims of the Nazi era. This date was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the liberations of
Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. The U.N. resolution also rejects the denial of the Holocaust, and
condemns discrimination and violence based on religion or ethnicity.
The United Nation’s Resolution calls on every member to oblige to honor the memory of the Holocaust victims and develop
educational programs as part of the promise to help prevent future acts of genocide. Earlier this month, the Holocaust
Centre of New Zealand, with the support of the Israeli Embassy, sent 20 New Zealand school teachers and educators from
all over the country to attend a two week seminar at Jerusalem’s international Holocaust Centre Yad Vashem with the aim
to implement their newly gained resources into their schools.
We have to raise awareness and understanding of the events of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides as a continuing
issue for all humanity, based on a recognition that it could happen again anywhere and at any time, unless we ensure
that our society opposes racism, prejudice discrimination and hatred towards others. It is a day where we take the time
to see how the lessons of the past can play a part in our community today.
The Holocaust is an issue that is really close to my heart as it is for many people and the way New Zealand is taking
such a strong interest in teaching about and commemorating the Holocaust, is something that should be praised.
Shalom.
ENDS