President Herzog in the Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony: Let Us Unite - Division is Terrible

 The official state ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance and Heroism Day was held Wednesday evening at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. The event was attended by senior state officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who arrived late and joined the ceremony after it had begun.

In a heartfelt address, President Herzog urged national unity in light of deepening societal rifts and the ongoing war with Hamas.

“Sitting with me in the office of the President are Holocaust survivors, the most precious of people,” Herzog said. “They witnessed the most horrific atrocities, and yet they transmit faith, optimism, and strength of spirit.”

Quoting the survivors, Herzog relayed their collective plea: “President, please, we beg, we demand: the division within us is terrible. Make there be unity among the people.”

Calling for an end to societal polarization, Herzog proposed a national commitment to unity during the upcoming "Ten Holy Days" between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Independence Day.

"Let us mend our hearts. Let us not allow the poison of social media and the experts in smearing and polarization to destroy us from within," Herzog declared.

He also addressed the families and victims of the October 7 Hamas attack, pledging that the nation will not rest until all abducted individuals are brought home: “A whole nation is with you... It will have no comfort until you all return home.”

Netanyahu: “From Holocaust to Resurrection”

Prime Minister Netanyahu, who joined the event after its commencement, also spoke, highlighting the strength of the Israeli state and military as the realization of the post-Holocaust Jewish revival.

“During the Holocaust, we were like dust scattered by the wind,” Netanyahu said. “Today, we have a powerful defensive force the world respects. This is the army of victory. An army of lions.”

Referencing the October 7 terror attacks, Netanyahu positioned the current conflict as part of a broader historical and existential struggle. He compared Hamas to the Nazis, citing a conversation with the German Chancellor, and emphasized Israel’s resolve to defeat Hamas and deter Iran.

"We are systematically crushing the stranglehold of the axis of evil. Holocaust Remembrance Day is a prominent landmark in our effort to return all abductees and ensure our survival for generations to come," he said.

The Prime Minister referenced last year’s military operations in Rafah as a critical turning point, claiming strategic gains against Hezbollah, the Assad regime, and Iran.

"If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we have to fight with our teeth—we will do so. We will defeat Hamas and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons," Netanyahu concluded.