UN in Ghana joins Israeli, German Embassies to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

The UN in Ghana joined the Embassies of the State of Israel and the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra and other diplomatic corps in an event to remember and honour the victims of the holocaust. The theme for this year’s global commemoration “Memory, Dignity and Justice” advocates actions to challenge hatred, strengthen solidarity and champion compassion.

In a passionate message, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr Charles Abani said, “The Holocaust and its related occurrences were a turning point in history which cannot and must not be forgotten.  He called on the world to continue investing in resources and agreements that seek to promote multilateralism to protect human rights and lives.

Addressing the gathering of about 50 participants, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and H.E. Sierra Leone, Shlomit Sufa said the Holocaust denial is an expression of antisemitism. She noted that in order to begin to address the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is.  She therefore urged the Government of Ghana to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism which gives clarity to what antisemitism means.   

For his part, the German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Daniel Krul, called on UN Member States, as well as private sector entities, to take active steps towards addressing issues of Holocaust denial. “Antisemitism, xenophobia, genocide, and all evils do not pop up overnight but grow over time, and hence we all need to be vigilant and not allow the seeds to take root” he noted.

The event hosted Dr. Roy Horovitz of the Bar-Ilan University, Israel, and Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. Dr. Horovitz made a virtual presentation on “Israel Theatre and the Holocaust: A Historical Perspective on the Aesthetical and Ethical Challenges” to explore how the Israeli theatre is being used to tell the history of the Holocaust. Dwelling on the topic, “Using Arts and Culture in Promoting Tolerance”, Prof. Sutherland-Addy provided a local perspective of how the art is and can be used to promote tolerance and peace.

The audience earlier observed a moment of silence and offered a prayer in remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust. They also held posters with the incription #WeRemember to join the campaign to say "Now, more than ever, we must join together to remember the past, to build a better future for all."