UN Geneva to Mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day

under Theme “Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust”

Every year on 27 January, the international community comes together to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This Day was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in 1945.

The United Nations Office at Geneva and its partners will mark the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust (27 January) reflecting the theme of this year's commemoration: “Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust”.

On Friday 26 January 2024, 1 p.m. in Room XVIII, Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office at Geneva will host an official commemoration, at which Holocaust survivor Ms. Martha Raviv, will share her poignant story about her family experience of loss and survival. 

After watching a video message from the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, the following speakers will deliver remarks:

Ms. Tatiana Valovaya

Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva

Her Excellency Ms. Meirav Eilon Shahar

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva

Her Excellency Lotte Knudsen

Ambassador and Head of the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations Office at Geneva. 

The event will be followed by a musical performance by Evgenia Pilyavina, Pianist and Maxim Siniskiy, Violonist. Featuring:  

• Schindler’s List Theme by John Williams, 
• Melody by Joseph Achron, 
• T’filah by Lera Auerbach // Recitative and Dance by Josef Kaminski

English and French interpretation will be provided.

With thanks to the Permanent Mission of Israel and the Permanent Delegation of the European Union for their kind support.