Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
In a solemn ceremony last night, held at the Melina Mercouri Hall, Cyprus joined the global community in observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in one of history’s darkest chapters. The event, organized by the Israeli Embassy in Cyprus, was attended by high-ranking officials including Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth Dr. Athena Michaelidou, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works Mr. Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Mr. Yiannis Panayiotou, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Dr. Nicholas Ioannides, and the Chief of the National Guard Lt. Gen. Georgios Tsitsikostas.
The ceremony opened with a haunting violin and piano performance of Schindler’s List theme, setting the tone for the evening of reflection and remembrance. Ambassador Oren Anolik of Israel delivered a deeply personal and moving speech, recounting his family’s own losses during the Holocaust, including the murder of his great-grandparents and their children in Lithuania.
“For us, the trauma of the Holocaust is in our genes. It is part of our DNA. Not only can we not forget, but our psyche as Israelis is deeply influenced by the tragedy of our people,” said Ambassador Anolik. He emphasized the importance of education in ensuring that “Never Again” is not merely a slogan but a call to action against hatred, antisemitism, and intolerance in all forms.
The ambassador’s remarks also highlighted the systematic nature of the Holocaust, from discriminatory laws and propaganda to the industrialized murder of millions at extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau. He reminded attendees that this year marks 80 years since the camp’s liberation, which revealed the unimaginable scale of Nazi crimes to the world.
A poignant highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Holocaust-themed installation created by students from the Larnaca Technical School. The project, which won first prize in an annual Holocaust education competition organized by the Ministry of Education, serves as a creative yet solemn reminder of the human cost of intolerance and hatred.
Teacher Mr. Modestou, who guided the students in creating the installation, shared its significance: “This project is not just an artistic expression—it is a testament to our commitment to remembering the victims and ensuring that their stories are passed on to future generations.”
The installation was displayed alongside the Yad Vashem exhibition titled “Shoa: How Was It Humanly Possible?”, giving attendees a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s atrocities.
Holocaust Education in Cyprus
A key aspect of Cyprus’ commemoration was the recognition of its ongoing efforts to educate younger generations about the Holocaust. The Ministry of Education has implemented a traveling exhibition program, rotating displays in schools across the island. These exhibitions focus on various themes, such as children and women during the Holocaust, and stay in each school for two weeks, ensuring students have the opportunity to engage with the lessons of history.
Minister of Education Dr. Athena Michaelidou, in her remarks, praised the program, emphasizing that education is the most powerful tool to combat hatred and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
A Call to Remember and Act
The event concluded with the testimony of Holocaust survivor Miriam Prager who flew in all the way from Israel to share her story of survival as a baby during the war. Her powerful words reminded those in attendance of the human resilience and courage that shone through even in the darkest times.
In her closing remarks, the Israeli Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, Rotem Segev, remarked, “The Holocaust was one of the most heinous acts of dehumanization in history. By remembering, we honor the victims and ensure the past does not repeat itself. Together, we commit to building a world free from hatred and violence.”
As Cyprus continues to play its part in Holocaust education and remembrance, the words “Never Again” take on renewed meaning—a promise not only to remember but to act, ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
