Never again to Holocaust, racism, genocide – Israeli envoy

MANILA, Philippines — Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ian Fluss said that all people must unite against forms of discrimination and violence.

“We must unite in saying ‘never again’ to the Holocaust, to antisemitism, to racism, and to genocide,” Fluss said in a speech.

Fluss made the statement during a commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Wednesday.

During the event, Fluss also recognized former president Manuel L. Quezon’s role in saving Jews during  World War II.

“[T]he Philippines has a special, heroic role in the Holocaust. In 1938, President Quezon welcomed over 1,300 Jewish refugees, providing a safe haven when very few others did so, which we are forever grateful,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte, who attended the event, also commended the Jews for their “unwavering bravery” and “remarkable strength” during the time of the Holocaust.

“We pay tribute to their unwavering bravery in the face of relentless persecution and their remarkable strength in the midst of adversity,” Duterte said.

“Together, we pledge to combat intolerance and reaffirm our unwavering commitment, compassion, justice, and unity,” she added.

In the Holocaust, which took place before and during the Second World War, more than six million Jews were killed under the policies of the Nazis and dictator Adolf Hitler.