India Expresses Deep Empathy for Holocaust Victims, Draws Parallels with Terrorism Experiences
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri delivered a powerful address at a Holocaust memorial event organized by the Israel embassy in New Delhi, where he expressed India's profound solidarity with victims of the Holocaust and condemned terrorism in all its manifestations.
India's Familiarity with Mindless Brutality
Speaking at the solemn gathering, Misri stated, "India is, unfortunately, all too familiar with such mindless brutality. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism ourselves, we empathize immediately with those who undergo the same tragedy." This statement highlighted India's own painful experiences with terrorism while establishing a connection with global victims of violence.
Historical Context and Contemporary Parallels
The Foreign Secretary provided historical context, noting that the Holocaust began not with violence but with words of hatred, dehumanization, and exclusion. He emphasized how prejudice becomes normalized and discrimination institutionalized when conscience remains silent.
Misri specifically referenced the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, where approximately 1,200 Israeli nationals were killed and hundreds taken hostage. He quoted Israel's Ambassador to India Reuven Azar's observation that more Jews were killed on that single day than on any other since the Holocaust.
Unequivocal Condemnation of Terrorism
The Foreign Secretary stressed that terrorism must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations without any justification whatsoever. His remarks reinforced India's consistent position against terrorism globally while acknowledging shared democratic values between India and Israel.
Pathway to Peace in Gaza
Misri welcomed the Gaza Peace Plan as a viable pathway to achieving long-term and sustainable peace in the region. "We have welcomed this, and we are happy to see the progress made recently under this plan," he stated. "We earnestly hope that these efforts will evolve into concrete and lasting actions, paving the way for a peaceful and durable resolution to conflicts in the region."
Strengthening India-Israel Relations
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between India and Israel, which have evolved into a robust strategic partnership. "As proud partners in progress, we are building bridges in multiple areas and using our shared democratic values," he remarked, underscoring the growing cooperation between the two nations.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Significance
The event coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 27 to commemorate the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by Soviet forces in 1945. This day honors the six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazi regime during the Second World War.
Misri's address served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering historical atrocities while working collectively to prevent such tragedies in the future through dialogue, cooperation, and unwavering opposition to terrorism and hatred in all forms.
