From the Holocaust Centre of NZ…
On Wednesday, 23rd April, the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand solemnly commemorated Yom HaShoah and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the liberation of the death camps, and the conclusion of the Holocaust (Shoah).
Yom HaShoah, the Jewish Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed annually on the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising—a day when courageous young individuals stood against oppression, declaring without words, “No more.”
Memorial ceremonies took place nationwide – in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch – bringing together diverse communities, members of Parliament, and the diplomatic corps. Hundreds gathered—people from different backgrounds and places—united in remembrance. Together, we lit candles in honour of the six million Jewish victims and stood in solemn silence, declaring “Never Again.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to MPs Hon Nicola Willis (National Party), Hon David Parker (Labour Party), Simon Court (ACT Party), and Helen White (Labour Party), as well as the diplomatic representatives of Israel, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Poland. We also recognise Reverend Ivica Gregurec for joining us on this solemn occasion.
Thank you to all who stood with us, inspiring and empowering action against antisemitism, discrimination, and apathy. Through remembrance, education, and bearing witness, we ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
To see images from the Auckland and Wellington ceremonies, click HERE.
