Today, January 27, the Israel Embassy in Manila joins other Israeli missions around the world in observing the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This day also marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and a decade since the United Nations adopted a resolution to establish an international Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On January 27, 1945, Soviet forces liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, discovering the largest Nazi killing center in Europe. Auschwitz has become a symbol of the Holocaust, representing the depths of man’s inhumanity to man.
During this dark period in history, a total of 1,300 Jewish refugees found a safe haven in the Philippines. Then President Manuel Quezon granted visas to Jewish refugees.
The Israel Embassy in Manila mounts a continuing banner program “Thank You Philippines” to highlight the Philippines’ noble deed that saved 1,300 Jews. Next month, a series of events are lined up to thank the Philippines and the Filipinos for this noble deed.
“Today, we remember the millions of Jews who perish during the Holocaust. We also join the hundreds of Jews and their families who continue to be grateful to the Philippines for saving their lives,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Adam Michael Levene.
An 83-year-old Holocaust survivor from Israel will share her story of survival and refuge in the Philippines in a forum at the University of the Philippines. Margot Pins was only seven years old when her family moved to the Philippines.
Jazz Festival will feature Filipina talent Rose Fostanes who won the first X-Factor Israel.
The Israel-Philippine Joint Stamp Issue “The Philippine Rescue of Jews from the Holocaust” will also be launched next month.
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