MANILA, Philippines – The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines commemorated the Holocaust, with the commitment of fighting antisemitism through education.
During the International Holocaust Remembrance Day last Friday (Jan. 31) at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila, the Embassy of Israel, together with the Department of Education (DepEd), made a commitment to fight antisemitism, which fuelled the Holocaust, and is considered as the “darkest chapter in history” as it saw one-third of the Jewish population murdered, “simply because they were Jewish.”
“Holocaust remembrance is not just about looking back: it is a commitment to confronting hatred, denial, and distortion. The fight against antisemitism continues today, and we must be unwavering in our resolve to fight it. Including through education,” Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss stressed.
“Antisemitism, the hatred that fuelled the Holocaust, continues to rise globally, including in the Philippines and is alarming. We cannot simply watch as this hateful ideology spreads,” he added.
Fluss extended his appreciation to the DepEd for making the event possible and for the ongoing commitment to Holocaust remembrance in DepEd facilities.
“Today’s commemoration is not just about remembering the past, it’s about reaffirming our commitment to an education that will help our youth reject hate, embrace diversity, and work to create a future where unity triumphs over division,” shared DepEd Curriculum and Teaching Usec. Gina Ong.
During the same event, Mr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña represented the Quezon family and shared the act of humanity of his great grandfather, President Manuel Quezon, who opened the doors of the Philippines to approximately 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime.
Photo courtesy of Ilan Fluss / Facebook account
According to the embassy, the commemoration event featured a photo exhibit and highlighted the lighting of 6 candles representing the 6 million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.
The candles were lit by Ambassador Fluss, German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Usec. Gina Ong, President of the Jewish Community in the Philippines Mr. Salito Malca, Mr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña from the Quezon family, and DepEd learner Rhian May Gonzales.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the local government unit of Manila, the Jewish community, DepEd teachers and learners, and the diplomatic community, the embassy stated.
