Her Excellency, Ms. Orli Weitzman
Consul General of Israel, Bengaluru
The Department of Social Sciences and Languages, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Israel, Bengaluru organized the ‘Holocaust Remembrance Day’ on 27th January, 2025. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Her Excellency, Ms. Orli Weitzman, Consul General of Israel, Bengaluru and the Guest of Honor, Her Excellency, Ms. Inbal Ston, Deputy Consul General of Israel, Bengaluru. Prof. Gopakumar A V, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, delivering the welcome address, honored and reaffirmed the collective commitment to ensure that tragedies like Holocaust do not occur. Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College, delivered the Presidential Address, emphasizing that remembrance is not just about history but about humanity. He highlighted that the aim of the event was to be bearers of the stories and voices of the survivors and memories of those lost. The Chief Guest, Ms. Orli Weitzman, shed light on the Holocaust- a systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. She explained how Anti-Semitism in Europe has manifested in different ways, from deep-rooted prejudice to discrimination, ultimately leading to the genocide. The presentation outlined the historical context leading to the Holocaust like Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass) on November 9-11, 1938 and the eventual arrest of Jews coupled with destruction of their homes, businesses and places of worship. The discussion also explored the harrowing realities of life in concentration camps and the extremities faced by the prisoners. The event concluded by reflecting on the lessons learned from the Holocaust. The commemoration received positive feedback and enthusiastic involvement by students and reinforced the collective need of upholding human rights and human dignity to prevent the reoccurrence of such atrocities.