Χαιρετισμός της επιτρεταμμένης της πρεσβείας του Ισραήλ, κας Τάμυ Μπεν Χαΐμ

Dear Survivors,
Honorable Mayor Boutaris,
Mayor of Tel Aviv Huldai,
President of Thessaloniki Jewish Community David Saltiel,
Rector Mitkas,
Mr. Aaron Tamir Dep World Chairman International March of the Living,
Mr. Yossi Gvir from Yad Vashem
Ladies and Gentleman

I am very honored to be here today, again, to participate in the Thessaloniki March of the Living to commemorate and remember the once thriving Jewish community of this wonderful city.

The centuries-long Jewish presence here was felt everywhere –the port, the shops, the synagogues, and Jewish centers and libraries.  But it was obliterated by the Nazis along with the people –more than 50,000 Jewish men, women, and children were sent to their deaths right from this very spot.

We must not forget this, we must keep working –as the mayor and the Jewish community here does– to keep the history of the city and the memory of these people alive.

However, we must also look forward and learn from these terrible events and from the brave few who worked to save those who were persecuted. We have an obligation to those who are weaker, who are suffering, and who are looking for shelter.

When we vow Never Again, it is not just a slogan but a responsibility.  

Thank you.