THE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the annual commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This darkest chapter in history 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,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss stressed. “Antisemitism, the hatred that fueled the Holocaust, continues to rise globally, including in the Philippines and is alarming. We cannot simply watch as this hateful ideology spreads,” he added.
The Israeli Ambassador thanked the Department of Education, under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, for making this event possible and for their 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 Usec. Gina Ong.
Mr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña represented the Quezon family and shared the act of humanity of his grandfather President Manuel Quezon who opened the doors of the Philippines to approximately 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime.
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 Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Usec. Gina Ong from the Curriculum and Teaching of the Department of Education, 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, local government unit of Manila, Jewish community, DepEd teachers and learners, and the diplomatic community.
The United Nations General Assembly designated every January 27th as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The ceremony was held on the 31st of January at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.|
