The National Museum of Natural History served as a solemn site of remembrance on 31 Januar 2025. The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines held a poignant Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony. The event commemorated the six million Jews systematically murdered during World War II. It also highlighted the Philippines’ unique role in sheltering Jewish refugees during that dark period.
The ceremony featured a moving candle-lighting ceremony. Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss initiated the lighting. Each candle symbolized the millions lost. The event also included a powerful photo exhibit. Ambassador Fluss and Undersecretary Gina O. Gonong of the Department of Education (DepEd) jointly opened the display. Historical videos showcased the horrors of antisemitism during World War II. These stark visuals served as a reminder of the past.
The Philippines holds a special place in the Holocaust history. From 1937 to 1941, The Philippines offered refuge to Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution. President Manuel Quezon defied international pressure. He opened the country’s doors. This courageous act offered a lifeline to approximately 1,300 Jews. Many other nations turned them away.
The Hahn family attended the ceremony in honor of their grandfather. Frederick Hahn, a Jewish refugee who found sanctuary in the Philippines during the Holocaust. He stayed and contributed significantly to Philippine infrastructure. The Guadalupe Bridge and Forbes Park stand as testaments to his work. His family paid tribute to his legacy.
This year’s commemoration held special significance. It was a collaborative effort. The DepEd partnered with the Israeli Embassy. Undersecretary Gonong’s presence underscored the importance of Holocaust education. She will review the DepEd curriculum. The goal? To ensure the history of the Holocaust and the Philippines’ role are accurately represented.
Ambassador Fluss spoke powerfully. He emphasized the importance of remembering. He stressed learning from history to prevent future atrocities. He noted the alarming rise in global antisemitism.
“The importance of this day is not just remembering,” he stated. “It is also to learn the lessons of the future.”
He connected the rise in antisemitism to the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Hamas’s anti-Semitic agenda is genocidal. It aims to wipe Israel off the map. This physical war manifests in other ways. Social media fuels antisemitism. Attacks target Jewish people and institutions worldwide.
Ambassador Fluss shared concerning statistics. A 2014 survey showed only 3% of Filipinos held antisemitic views. A 2024 survey revealed a shocking increase to 43%.
“This is alarming,” he said. “The Philippines is a country we are proud of.” He recalled the Philippines’ humanitarian act. President Quezon’s decision saved lives. Many other nations refused entry to Jewish refugees. Ships were turned away. Even the US refused their entry.
The Manila Holocaust Remembrance Day served as a powerful reminder. It highlighted the urgency of combating antisemitism. It celebrated the Philippines’ compassionate past. The event underscored the importance of education. It reaffirmed the commitment to never forgetting the victims of the Holocaust. The lessons of the past must inform the future.
