” Recognizing the extraordinary courage of victims and survivors of the Holocaust”- International Holocaust Day marked in Ghana

A survivor of the Holocaust, Mrs Miriam Prager, has recalled how her family lived under a false identity, had to be baptised to save her from being killed with other Jews during that dark period of human history and her mother’s quest to find her after being separated at eight months.

Mrs Prager joined participants via zoom at the 2024 International Holocaust Remembrance Day solemn observation held in Accra, Ghana. “There, on the index finger of my left hand, my mother recognised the birthmark… she knew she had found her child” Mrs Prager recalled how she reunited with her mother.

The theme for the 2024 International Holocaust Remembrance Day is, “Recognising the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust.”

Speaking at the same ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, reminded said it is the collective responsibility of all to take steps to address the atrocities happening in different parts of the world today.

“It is sad to note that, despite the experience with the Holocaust, there is growing political instability, escalating hate, and religious bigotry, increasingly driven and amplified through social media, artificial intelligence, and information technology. The purpose of our gathering here will be meaningless if we do not collectively take steps to address these disturbing occurrences,” he said, adding that “We have a collective responsibility to address the residual trauma, maintain effective remembrance policies and practices, care for historic sites, promoting awareness, education, documentation, and research, now more than ever over seven decades after the genocide.”

On his part, the Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E Shiomit Sufa, highlighted the need to remember the Holocaust. “Almost 80 years after the Holocaust, there are fewer and fewer survivors who can tell their story. These stories must continue to be told. And we are obliged to remember.” She also called on the world to remember the lessons from the Holocaust, to teach younger generations.

“In their memory, for us and for future generations, it is a collective obligation of humanity to remember the lessons of the Holocaust, educate younger generations about the committed atrocities, and stand united against forces seeking to divide us,” she said.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E Daniel Krull, underlined his country’s commitment to the UN Charter, which upholds the respect for human rights for all. “Germany is committed to upholding the values enshrined in the UN Charter, including the respect for human rights for all and including the commitment to prevent genocide from happening - never again.”

Candles were lit in memory of the victims of the Holocaust around the world.

About the Holocaust

Read more about the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme.