Thessaloniki commemorates National Day of Remembrance for Holocaust Martyrs
The message of ‘Never Again” and warnings about the rise of neonazism, the far-right, and antisemitism in Europe were at the heart of an event in Thessaloniki on Sunday commemorating the National Day of Remembrance of Greek Jewish Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust.
The event took place at the Thessaloniki port’s Storage III (Apothiki 3) and included representatives of local and regional government, ambassadors, political party representatives, and religious, military and security forces representatives.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Macedonia and Thrace Kostas Gioulekas underlined the importance of teaching children that no civilized human being must ever allow a repeat of these events. “We have one duty: to never allow any demented people to attempt once again to turn our land into an endless cemetery,” he said. The unexpected war in Europe in Ukraine, is a sign calling for a constant vigilance and awareness “for all we ought to do to prevent what is happening there from expanding.” Gioulekas also conveyed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ greetings.
Addressing the event, Israel’s Ambassador to Greece Noam Katz noted that the destruction of European and Greek Jewry as part of the genocidal mania of the Nazis “left an indelible stain on the history of humanity,” and referred to the annihilation of 94% of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki, which numbered 50,000.
He pointed out the importance of the Holocaust Museum, saying, “Thessaloniki’s Jewish community, though much smaller, continues to play a prominent role in the city’s life while preserving its rich legacy. The establishment of the Holocaust Museum in Thessaloniki is a major step forward in commemorating the Holocaust and honoring the Jewish community’s history. Additionally, we look forward to the completion of honoring the community’s legacy in Eleftheria Square, further ensuring that this memory is woven into the fabric of Greek history.”
Before rounding up his comments by repeating in Greek, “Never Again”, Ambassador Katz said, “Together, we must work toward a future where the atrocities of the Holocaust are not repeated. By embracing the lessons of the past and fostering unity, we can ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a phrase but a lasting commitment.”
Also addressing the event were the Central Macedonia Region Governor Athina Aidona.
President of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece David Saltiel spoke of those who knew about the Holocaust and did not speak up, becoming complicit in its atrocities. “Only the full understanding of what happened in World War II, only the deepening and consolidation of the memory of the Holocaust, would be the response to the phenomena of nostalgia for barbarity that are so intensely visible in our days,” he noted.
Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis, who delivered the keynote address, said that despite the collapse of inhumane regimes, antisemitism is still alive throughout the world. “It is proven still, that whoever is not afraid of the beast’s face – as the late Manos Hadjidakis used to say – it means they have started resembling it,” Angeloudis said, expressing confidence that work on the Memorial Park on Eleftheria Square would start soon as legal obstacles should be removed in the coming months.
Ambassadors of several countries attended the event, including of Germany, Canada, a representative of the US embassy in Athens, and several consuls general.
Former deputy prime minister Panagiotis Pikramenos also sent a written message, while Thessaloniki Deputy Governor Constantine Gioutikas also conveyed a message.
The event was followed by the laying of wreaths at the Holocaust Memorial on the coastal road, Nikis Avenue.
(Photo: Thessaloniki mayor)
Source: AMNA
