NEW YORK, NY – [Photos by ETA Press]
Conveying a strong message that antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred have no place in the modern world, the Consulate General of Greece in New York, in cooperation with the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece, hosted its annual “Holocaust Remembrance Day for Greek Jews” event at the main auditorium of Hebrew College. The gathering honored the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirmed the commitment to preserving historical memory and the cultural heritage of Greek Jewry.
The program was coordinated by Master of Ceremonies Leon Levy. In her remarks, Consul General Iphigenia Kanara emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory as a guiding principle in addressing and combating antisemitism, hatred, and indifference, regardless of their origin.
Israel’s Consul General, Ofir Akunis, delivered a strong condemnation of antisemitic acts, while His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos conveyed a message of friendship and solidarity on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Solomon Asher, President of the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece, underscored the importance of safeguarding the historical legacy and cultural heritage of Greek Jews.
A highlight of the evening was the screening of the short film 72 Hours, written and produced by Deno Seder and based on his book Miracle at Zakynthos: The Only Greek Jewish Community Saved in Its Entirety from Annihilation. The film recounts the extraordinary rescue of the Jewish community of Zakynthos during the Nazi occupation, showcasing the courage and solidarity of the island’s residents.
The event concluded with a moving musical performance by Meredeth Kelly and Pedro D’Aquino, offering a powerful message of remembrance, social responsibility, and vigilance against violence, racism, and oblivion.
