The European Union Delegation to Israel in partnership with Yad Vashem held a profound commemoration at Beit Juliana Nursing Home in Herzliya, central Israel, on January 21. This poignant ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, bringing together Holocaust survivors, EU ambassadors, and local high school students in a powerful testament to memory and resilience.
Beit Juliana, a residential complex established in 1979 by Dutch immigrants, houses around 200 residents, many of whom are Holocaust survivors. The location added layers of significance to the event, particularly in light of a recent Hezbollah drone attack on the eve of Yom Kippur 2024, that damaged the building but left residents unharmed.
EU Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev delivered a stirring address, emphasizing the urgent need to combat rising antisemitism. "We Europeans consider it a sacred duty to condemn and repudiate the factories of death that the Nazis and their local collaborators set up on our continent and beyond with the sole goal to annihilate every single Jew they could find," he declared. Tzantchev highlighted a disturbing statistic from a recent EU survey: 96% of Jews in Europe encounter antisemitism either online or offline. "That is totally unacceptable," he stated, "and we are determined to fight these odious developments to make sure Jews can live and thrive – in Europe, Israel, and around the globe."
The ceremony featured powerful testimonies from Holocaust survivors, including Romuald Jakub Weksler-Waszkinel, whose extraordinary life story captivated the audience. Born in the Švenčionys Ghetto in 1943, Weksler-Waszkinel was entrusted to a Polish couple as an infant. Unaware of his Jewish heritage until adulthood, his journey of self-discovery led him from the Catholic priesthood back to his Jewish roots. "The only reason I cannot say no to my Polish parents is their love for me," Weksler-Waszkinel shared. "The only reason that, for the rest of my days, I am going to shout that I am Jewish, is my love for my Jewish parents."
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan emphasized the enduring impact of the Holocaust on survivors. "The scars of the Holocaust did not simply fade with time, and would ultimately shape the rest of their lives," he noted. "As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, let us honor not only the memory of the victims but also the extraordinary efforts of survivors who would go on to mold the future of our world."
The event also highlighted the stories of Beit Juliana residents. Rachel Fisch, whose apartment bore the brunt of the recent drone attack, recounted her experiences during World War II. Other residents, painted a vivid picture of survival against overwhelming odds.
Beit Juliana Director Iris Friedman Sade reflected on the lessons learned from the residents. "Especially in these complex times, I learn from Beit Juliana's residents about the power of faith and overcoming impossible obstacles. They teach us that even from the depths of hell, one can rise and build a new life," she said.
The ceremony underscored the EU's ongoing commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving Holocaust memory. Ambassador Tzantchev detailed the EU's Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, launched in 2021. This landmark framework aims to address antisemitism through education, security measures, and cultural initiatives. Tzantchev announced a commitment of millions of Euros for Holocaust education and remembrance in 2025, emphasizing the importance of these efforts in light of current global challenges. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Tzantchev visited Rachel Fisch's apartment, which had been damaged in the drone attack. This personal gesture symbolized the EU's solidarity with Holocaust survivors and their ongoing struggles.
Students from the local Rishonim High School played a crucial role in the event, participating in meaningful intergenerational dialogues with survivors. These interactions emphasized the vital role of youth in carrying forward Holocaust remembrance and combating hatred in all its forms.
The event, part of broader commemorations including additional events scheduled at Yad Vashem on January 23-24, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of survivors and the commitment of institutions like the EU and Yad Vashem to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
In the words of Beit Juliana's director, inspired by the poet Rachel Shapira: "Slowly, we learned once again to discern the wonderful power of life." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the commemoration – a celebration of resilience, a call to vigilance, and a commitment to building a future free from the shadows of the past.
