On the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, addressed the ongoing issue of antisemitism, emphasizing its continued presence worldwide. Speaking at a commemoration event in Manila, Fluss highlighted the need for global solidarity in combating hatred and Holocaust denial, stating, “We must never forget. Never again will we allow such horrors to unfold.” He stressed the importance of active resistance against hatred to prevent historical atrocities from recurring.
Fluss referenced a recent Anti-Defamation League study, which reported a significant rise in antisemitic beliefs globally following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The study revealed that 46% of the global population holds antisemitic views, with the Philippines ranking 53rd among 103 surveyed countries. In the Philippines alone, the percentage of people with antisemitic attitudes increased dramatically from 3% in 2014 to 42% in the previous year.
The ambassador expressed concern over these statistics, underscoring the necessity of Holocaust education to combat the spread of hateful ideologies. At the same event, Education Undersecretary Gina Gonong voiced her alarm at the rising figures and committed to reviewing the inclusion of Holocaust education in the national curriculum. She emphasized the importance of remembering the Holocaust as a critical lesson in human history, urging the cultivation of a culture of peace, understanding, and respect to prevent future atrocities.
The International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust is observed annually on January 27, marking 80 years since the end of World War II and the Holocaust.