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Levy welcomed how the German government is fighting antisemitism. Whilst poignant ceremonies took place Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan called on governments for free unrestricted research of Holocaust archives and to confront antisemitism forcibly. “Opening the archives is so important,” he said. “We are in the last years where we have witnesses with us, numbers are dwindling. But we sometimes forget that six million Jews were not able to give testimony so the documents are their testimony in letters, documents, cards and other things. “We will do everything in our power to make sure historians can research the Holocaust without impositions.”
TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 Dayan added that he is determined to build in the coming years a strategy of engagement. “Yad Vashem has incredible treasures, we have the largest library but my intention is to put the Holocaust at the forefront of public, diplomatic and political opinion because there is a lot to learn from the Holocaust,” he noted. Dayan tells dignitaries who visit Yad Vashem that the Holocaust shows the vital importance of an independent Jewish state. He also addressed antisemitism and the Holocaust. “We know from history what monstrous dimensions from antisemitism can grow,” he explained. “When you see antisemitism, confront it immediately, aggressively, decisively and with determination otherwise it
may grow to the dimensions it grew before. If it happened once it can happen twice. “Antisemitism should be confronted forcibly and immediately, that is a responsibility for all governments.” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that decades after Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated the world had an obligation to remember and deal with the Holocaust. “This was a tragedy that is unparalleled in the annals of human history, the main obligation is cast on us, the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” he noted. “It is good that the world remembers. We as the government share the obligation to make certain that Yad Vashem continues to preserve the memory of the Holocaust in the country and the world.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg yesterday. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office together with the Embassy of Israel held a remembrance ceremony. Guests included Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Lord Pickles, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Auschwitz survivor Lily Ebert. “We are at a critical moment of history and we must ensure the lessons of the past are told frequently so that the next generation understand where antisemitism leads,” said Ambassador Hotovely. “Jewish people are able to feel safer and more secure since the founding of the State of Israel; a homeland and a place of refuge. We are thankful to the British Government for their friendship and their solidarity in the fight against antisemitism.” UK’s Foreign Secretary commented, “Remembering is not a passive act. It is an expression of fidelity to those who perished, and an act of duty to future generations.” Truss noted that a new national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London will open in 2025 and stand as a constant
27 JANUARY 2022 reminder of the relentless fight against hate and antisemitism. She added that the British Government was committed to combatting antisemitism in all its forms. Lord Pickles said that ‘never again’ must not become an “empty echo” of past good intentions. “As a community, we will stand against ignorance and antisemitism, we will keep the remembrance flame shining bright against Holocaust distortion and denial,” he added. The European Jewish Congress held its annual commemoration yesterday. President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and newly elected European Parliament President Roberta Metsola attended. The ceremony focussed on the Holocaust in France. A panel discussion with former Prime Minister of France Manuel Valls, philosopher Raphael Enthoven and writer Abnousse Shalmani was moderated by journalist Jean-Charles Banoun. Topics included the rise of antisemitism, Holocaust trivialisation, youth radicalisation and the spread of conspiracy theories, hatred and disinformation on social media. World Jewish Congress’ seventh annual #WeRemember campaign ends today at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Photographs of participants in the campaign will be showcased on a screen next to the infamous Auschwitz gate as a testament to the Jewish people’s survival. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said that through the campaign, WJC “combats antisemitism, as well as other pernicious forms of hatred and xenophobia”. Global leaders, sports organisations, cultural figures, corporations and social media companies joined the initiative that incorporates landmarks worldwide including the Old City in Jerusalem, Reichstag in Berlin and European parliaments.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK On behalf of The Jewish Weekly, I urge our readers to support Jnetics this week in their first ever matched 36-hour funding campaign to reach £500,000. Like so many charities up and down the country Jnetics headed up superbly by Nicole Gordon, has been through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which thank G-d appears to be easing. Her small team of hard working staff and many volunteers are dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic disorders. Funds raised will be spent on screening young adults at schools, universities and the Jnetics Clinic
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which targets young couples. As Nicole says, there is no reason why a young couple should endure the heartache of having a child with a genetic disorder that can be screened for. A simple saliva test can provide the knowledge to ensure children are born free from devastating genetic disorders. The joy of bringing a child into the world is arguably the greatest miracle of all. Let’s back Jnetics and help them achieve their goal in the coming days. To donate, visit www.charityextra.com/jnetics See article on page 7 WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 15 Games 16 Community 20 Feature 24 Cookery
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