Holocaust Remembrance Day events at the Knesset began last night (Wednesday) with a small gathering to hear the testimony of a survivor, called “Zikaron Basalon” (literally, Remembrance in the Living Room). This morning, at 10:00 (Israel Daylight Time), the traditional Yizkor candle-lighting ceremony will take place at the entrance to the Knesset. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana will lead the candle-lighting ceremony.
As in previous years, following the official wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem museum, the “Each of us has a name”memorial will take place at 11:00 in the Chagall Lounge. This ceremony recalls the names of Holocaust victims. The event takes its name from the poem by Zelda (1914–1984): “Each of us has a name given by God and given by our parents.” It was first held in 1989, initiated by then-Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky.
Senior Leaders, Holocaust Survivors, and Youth Participate in the Memorial
Participating in the ceremony are the Speaker of the Knesset, the President of Israel, the Prime Minister, the Chief Rabbis, cabinet ministers, members of Knesset, Yad Vashem officials, youth movement members, and soldiers. During the event, six individuals—Holocaust survivors and their descendants—will each light a memorial candle. A chapter of Psalms will be recited in memory of the victims, along with the Kaddish prayer by the Chief Rabbis. An IDF cantor will recite the “El Maleh Rachamim” prayer
“I Took Part in Every War of Israel”
The Knesset’s Holocaust Remembrance events began with a “Zikaron Basalon” program. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana hosted 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Avigdor Neumann in the Chagall Lounge. Neumann shared his story with 250 high school and pre-military academy students from across the country.
Avigdor emotionally recounted how he survived multiple selections by Josef Mengele. “The first time, I was 13, and I lied and said I was 15. He asked me what I could do, and I told him I was a technician—even though I didn’t know how to even change a screw.”
“I left Auschwitz, but Auschwitz never left me. Back then, there were no professionals to treat PTSD and depression. But when I first put on an IDF uniform, and later walked through the gates of the Knesset to be hosted in the office of the Speaker of the Jewish parliament—what an uplifting experience. Words can’t describe it. I participated in every war Israel fought. I’m proud to be one of those who founded the state, fortified it, and defended it.”
Neumann addressed the young audience with a message: “Don’t let sadness take over. No enemy will defeat us. Am Yisrael Chai.”
