The significance of Holocaust Remembrance Day was highlighted during a solemn ceremony at a synagogue in Mumbai, commemorating the six million Jews killed during and after World War II.
Key Remarks from Consul General Kobbi Shoshani
Consul General of Israel to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani, underscored the historical importance of this day and reflected on the strong relationship between the Jewish and Indian communities.
- On the Holocaust:“It’s a very important day in Israel as it is a memorial of the Holocaust. Six million Jews, mainly in Europe, were murdered by the Nazis in gas chambers or by shooting.”
- On Jewish Life in India:“Jews have lived in India for more than 2,000 years without any fear of persecution or discrimination.”
Shoshani noted the symbolic importance of the Governor’s presence at the synagogue, emphasizing the deep and harmonious bond between the two communities.
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh’s Reflections
Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Kirti Vardhan Singh also paid tribute during an event in Delhi, calling the Holocaust one of the greatest tragedies in human history.
- On Remembering History:“The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters in human history. There’s an old saying that if we forget history, history is bound to repeat itself. We must not forget this and must evolve our policies and outlook towards humanity.”
- On India’s Inclusive Legacy:“In our country, we welcome all faiths, all cultures, all people for ages, and that is what makes our country and civilization great.”
Significance of January 27
The United Nations General Assembly designates January 27 as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of Holocaust victims. This date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.
India and the Jewish Community
India’s welcoming stance towards Jews over millennia remains a point of pride. The event in Mumbai and the remarks made in Delhi serve as reminders of the shared values of tolerance and coexistence between the two cultures.
These observances not only honor the memory of the victims but also reiterate the commitment to ensuring such atrocities never happen again.