By Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ President

Dear friends and prayer partners,

As we approach the solemn occasion of Yom HaShoah, Israel’s annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, this Wednesday evening, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem joins with the people of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide in remembering the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime and their collaborators. The Holocaust was not only a planned genocide campaign – it was a spiritual and moral collapse among civilized nations and peoples. The Shoah revealed the depths of hatred that can arise when prejudice is unchecked and human dignity is denied, and sadly the Jewish people have been a distinct target of such hatred throughout history. From the ashes of Auschwitz and Treblinka, there did arise a global responsibility to remember, educate, and ensure such evil never takes root again – although that commitment is being sorely tested at present.

The Christian world has a unique moral duty to confront antisemitism today, notably due to the centuries when such animus was prevalent, tolerated and even justified by many forebearers in our religion. Too many remained silent or turned away as their Jewish neighbours were dehumanised and violently attacked. As the ICEJ, we say clearly – “Never Again” must mean never again. We are committed to fighting antisemitism wherever it emerges, and to building bridges of respect, repentance, and solidarity between Christians and Jews. Remembering the Holocaust is not only about the past – it is about shaping a future that honours the image of God to be found in every person.

And yet, even in the shadow of such horror, there is hope. The rebirth of the nation of Israel just three years after the Shoah was a miracle of resilience and faith. Survivors built new lives, families flourished, and Jewish culture thrived once more. Today, as we walk the streets of Jerusalem, we see prophecy fulfilled and life renewed. Let this day remind us not only of what was lost, but also of what has been restored – and what we must protect.

From Jerusalem, we send a message of remembrance and hope: that light will overcome darkness, and truth will triumph over denial.

During the week of Yom HaShoah, the Christian Embassy is taking part in the Israeli premiere of a new award-winning documentary entitled “Miss Holocaust Survivor: A Beauty Contest that Celebrates Life,” by German film maker Radek Wegzryn. His remarkable film follows a beauty contest for women who survived the Holocaust, a bi-annual event originated by Shimon Sabag, director of Yad Ezer L’Haver and the ICEJ’s local charitable partner at our unique Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa. The film both respectfully remembers the immense Jewish tragedy of the Shoah, while also lifting spirits with the laughter and banter among the elderly female contestants who are still celebrating life after all these years.

You can learn more about the film in this week’s ICEJ Webinar, airing on Thursday, 24 April at 3:00 PM (Israel time). Our special guest, film maker Radek Wegzryn, will share about his enthralling documentary on these truly special Holocaust survivors.

By the mercies of God,

Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem