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This year also marks the 80th anniversary of both the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, making this Holocaust commemoration ceremony all the more historically significant at such a crucial time.
Ms. Melissa Flemin United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
We must remember history and listen to the voices of Holocaust survivors. The Holocaust commemoration ceremony was presided over by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. As the core segment of the event, the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and guest speakers brought a profound sense of shock and enlightenment, allowing attendees to truly grasp the weight of that dark chapter in history.
Survivor Dumitru Mihăilescu traveled from Budapest to share his personal experiences, warning the world never to forget the suffering endured by the Roma and Jewish communities. Another survivor, Marianne Müller, took the stage alongside her descendants, recounting the tragedy and resilience of her family. With unwavering conviction, she declared, "They are my answer to Hitler." This powerful statement not only conveyed a deeply personal belief but also symbolized hope, the triumph over hatred, and the perseverance of life itself.
Mr. António GuterresUnited Nations Secretary-General
Mr, Philémon Yang President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Mr. lsaac Herzog President of the State of lsrael
The commemoration ceremony responded to the calls of the international community, with the UN Secretary-General and the President of the 79th UN General Assembly delivering key speeches reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to preventing genocide and combating hate speech.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a particularly powerful address, stating: "It is time to recognize that challenging our right to exist is not diplomacy—it is blatant antisemitism." This striking remark underscores the reality that antisemitism is not just a historical issue but a persistent threat in modern society.
Ms. Dorothy SheaChargée d'affaires ad interim of the United States to the United Nations
Mr. Stavros LambrinidisHead of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations
Mr. Vassily A. NebenziaPermanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations
Danny Danon, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations （Third from right）
Mr. Dumitru MiclescuAccompanied by Ms. Izabela Tiberiade
Ms. Marianne Muller
Listening to the Voices of Survivors
A core segment of the event was the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and guest speakers, whose accounts vividly brought to life one of history’s darkest chapters.
Survivor Dumitru Mihăilescu traveled from Budapest to deliver a solemn warning: the suffering of the Roma and Jewish people must never be forgotten. Another survivor, Marianne Müller, stood on stage with her descendants, sharing her family's story of tragedy and resilience. With unwavering resolve, she declared: "They are my answer to Hitler." This powerful statement not only conveyed her personal conviction but also symbolized the triumph of hope and life over hatred.
Speeches by Global Leaders
The UN Secretary-General and the President of the 79th UN General Assembly delivered important speeches, reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to preventing genocide and combating hate speech.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a particularly striking statement: "It is time to recognize that challenging our right to exist is not diplomacy—it is blatant antisemitism." His sharp remarks served as a stark reminder that antisemitism is not just a historical issue but remains a modern-day threat.
The Significance of the Commemoration
The commemoration was not only about remembering history but also about looking toward the future. Holocaust remembrance is more than a tribute to the past—it is a warning for generations to come.
Eighty years ago, the liberation of Auschwitz marked the end of one atrocity, yet the world has not fully rid itself of hatred and prejudice. The stories of Jewish, Roma, and other persecuted communities reveal that violations of human dignity and equality continue to manifest in different forms.
This UN commemoration serves as a crucial reminder that human rights and dignity must never be neglected or eroded under any pretext. The day stands as a wake-up call to the international community: history must not repeat itself. It is our collective responsibility to eliminate hatred, racism, and discrimination and ensure that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more just and humane future.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations for bringing Lebensmelodien to us. The Permanent Mission oflsrael to the United Nations in bringing Ms, Muller to us
From Remembrance to Action This year’s Holocaust remembrance emphasized action—drawing lessons from history to defend peace and justice. Key measures include educating future generations about history, combating antisemitism and all forms of hate speech, and encouraging tangible efforts by the international community to protect human rights.
The 2025 commemoration is not only a retrospective of a somber history but also a reaffirmation of humanity’s commitment to dignity and human rights. In the face of present challenges, it is everyone’s shared responsibility to honor the past with sincere actions and safeguard the future with unwavering determination.
