By Marelinke van der Riet

As the world commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday, 27 January 2025, Christians joined Jews in marking the event in a special ceremony at the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa.

The street in front of the Haifa Home was filled with hundreds of Holocaust survivors, family and friends, all gathered on a bright, sunny winter afternoon to participate in this significant occasion—marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army on 27 January 1945. As the moving event began, the air resonated with the sound of a violin, played beautifully by a talented musician.

Media outlets, including Haifa’s main radio station, were on hand to cover the event live, while an ICEJ-sponsored ambulance nearby provided a visible reminder of the Christian Embassy’s ongoing support for Holocaust survivors in the Haifa region.

Distinguished speakers included Israeli cabinet minister Eli Cohen and the Ambassador of Guatemala, while a local children’s choir brought an uplifting note of hope to the occasion with several song selections.

A number of speakers noted the tragic fact that 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, antisemitism is running rampant once again worldwide. “We have seen this before” was a chilling statement to hear from one dear Holocaust survivor. Despite the vows of “Never Again!”, the world finds itself once again confronting the same prejudice and violence that led to the horrors of the Shoah.

However, there is reason for hope. A look across the hundreds gathered at the ceremony revealed a powerful shift—this time, the Jewish people have many more allies in their corner, particularly Christian supporters. They are no longer alone.

David Parsons, ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman, addressed the crowd with a message of solidarity:

“Thankfully, there are millions of Christians today who are ready and willing to stand with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Too many Christians were silent and uncaring during the Holocaust. But after October 7, Christians all over the world have come to your aid… We have been marching in support of Israel in cities all around the world. And we have been praying for 479 days now for the release of the hostages and for the safety of Israel’s soldiers and all its people.”

“Many Christians today feel they have a strong moral duty to confront the enemies of the Jewish people and nation,” he continued. “You are not alone in this battle. More Christians are standing with you than ever before. And together, we will prevail!”

This powerful message echoed throughout the ceremony, resonating with the popular Israeli slogan over the course of the current war: “Together we will win.”

The growing Christian solidarity with the Jewish people and nation in the fight against antisemitism and anti-Israelism represents a hopeful turn for the world. This time, may we stand firmly on the right side of history.

If you would like to support Holocaust survivors in Israel, please donate today at: help.icej.org/survivors

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