On November 1, 2005, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, which
Turkey co-sponsored, to designate January 27 as International Holocaust
Remembrance Day.
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we commemorate more than 6
million victims who were brutally murdered by the Nazi regime and its
collaborators in a systematic way. We also remember with respect the
Turkish diplomats who aided those victims fleeing this horrible tragedy.
Holocaust victims have been commemorated across the world as well as in
Turkey. On 24 January 2019, a ceremony with broad participation was hosted
by the University of Ankara. Deputy Foreign Minister and Director for EU
Affairs Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, representatives from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, the Chancellor of Ankara University, academics and
students, members of diplomatic corps, Chief Rabbi of Turkey, the
President, along with the members of the Turkish Jewish Community, and high
school students attended this event.
Lessons should be derived from the Holocaust, which has no parallel in
history. Despite the Holocaust, which was the result of racism and hatred
towards differences, the rise in antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and
Islamophobia in today’s world is worrying. It is essential to resolutely
fight against these hate-based phenomena that pose threats to global
stability.
With this understanding, Turkey has been participating as an observer
country since 2008 in the activities of the International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which was established with the aim of
researching Holocaust thoroughly, duly commemorating its victims and
educating the new generations about this crime.
Turkey opened its doors to hundreds of Jews, including scientists, fleeing
Nazi persecution and today provides protection to millions of people
escaping from cruelty. Turkey will continue its efforts to prevent racism,
discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of
extremism.