Israel links Holocaust lessons to present threats, exposing Iran and rejecting global appeasement failures decisively.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar delivered a powerful address at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, honoring diplomats recognized as Righteous Among the Nations and reminding the world of the moral courage that saved Jewish lives during humanity’s darkest chapter. Opening with a poignant reference to Paul Celan’s “Death Fugue,” Sa’ar stressed that remembrance must go beyond mourning to recognizing those who acted with bravery against evil.
He highlighted figures such as Giorgio Perlasca, Carl Lutz, and Chiune Sugihara, who defied danger and bureaucracy to rescue thousands of Jews, presenting them as enduring examples of moral clarity in times of global failure. Sa’ar underscored that the Holocaust was not only the result of Nazi brutality but also of widespread inaction and appeasement by the international community.
Drawing a direct line to the present, Sa’ar described the Iranian regime as a modern embodiment of destructive ideology, accusing it of repression, regional aggression, and sponsorship of terror groups targeting Israel. He warned that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and expanding missile capabilities represent a growing global threat, not just a regional concern.
Criticizing ongoing hesitation among world powers, Sa’ar cautioned against repeating historical mistakes where indifference enabled catastrophe. He emphasized that Israel has internalized the lessons of history, acting decisively to neutralize threats before they materialize.
Reaffirming Israel’s doctrine of self-defense, he stated unequivocally that the nation will never allow its enemies to acquire nuclear weapons or achieve their goal of destruction. Concluding with a call to action, Sa’ar urged free nations to confront emerging dangers with resolve, ensuring that the promise of “Never Again” is upheld not just in memory, but through decisive action.
