Ambassadors to the United Nations visited Poland and Israel as part of a Holocaust-remembrance program, organized by the American Zionist Movement and the International March of the Living.
“It is important for ambassadors from around the world to understand both the history of and contemporary life in Israel in order to be best informed on issues which come to their attention at the United Nations,” said American Zionist Movement president Richard Heideman. “A firsthand personal visit is essential to such understanding.”
In Poland, the ambassadors are scheduled to visit Holocaust sites such as the Warsaw ghetto, Majdanek concentration and extermination camp, and the POLIN Museum.
In Israel, they will have an extensive tour of the nation to learn about the land, Jewish history and Zionism, get briefings on current security issues and partake in high-level talks and meetings.
“As we witness an increase in anti-Semitism around the world and dangerous attempts to rewrite history, now more than ever we must ensure that the memories of survivors pass on to the next generation,” said Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon. “By visiting Holocaust extermination sites, UN.. ambassadors are speaking out against anti-Semitism and sending a message to all those who peddle in hatred.”
“While Israel faces many challenges at the U.N.,” he added, ”we also know that we have many friends, and that this number continues to grow as more and more countries come to appreciate our beautiful thriving country and the contributions we make to the international community.”