On Wednesday, 4th March 2020 a ceremony for the reception of the IHRA’s (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) Presidency by Germany for the year 2020-2021 was held at the premises of the Jewish Museum of Greece.
Mrs. Zanet Battinou, Director of the museum, welcomed the attendees and invited Mr. Samuel Matsas, President of the JMG Board of Directors, who gave a brief address, stressing the importance of the work of IHRA, and its connection with the educational work of the museum, in particular.
The gathering was then addressed by Mr. Efstathios C. Lianos Liantis, Head of the Greek Delegation to the IHRA, who referred to IHRA’s work against antisemitism and to the forthcoming Greek Presidency of the organization, which will follow the German one in 2021-22. Next spoke the Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Mr. Paul Alphons Steinmetz, who presented a brief account of activities performed during the immediate past Presidency of Luxembourg, while the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Ernst Reichel, revealed Germany’s plans for its own presidency, and announced that this year’s memorial events will take place in Corfu.
Mr. Daniel Benardut, representative of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, and of the Jewish Community of Corfu, stressed the importance of IHRA’s work in the global fight against racism, Antisemitism and xenophobia, emphasizing the significance of education. Everyone thanked the Ambassador of Luxemburg for the work of his country during the previous presidency and wished their best for Germany’s forthcoming work.
Apart from the speakers and among other guests, the ceremony was attended by the ambassadors and staff members of the embassies of Austria, Israel, France, Germany, Switzerland, the U.S.A., Luxembourg, the Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Athens, Mr. Gabriel Negrin and representatives of the Jewish Community of Athens.
The event was followed by cocktails offered by the Swiss Embassy in order to commemorate the important event.
