Israeli Envoy Issues Stark Warning on Rising Anti-Semitism

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday warned of a sharp rise in anti-Semitism globally while reiterating Israel’s uncompromising stance against Hamas, as he addressed a commemoration event marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the Indian capital. He described the Holocaust as “the most atrocious crime” in Jewish history and said its lessons are becoming increasingly urgent in the current global climate.

The event, organised by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, was attended by diplomats and senior Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Similar commemorative programmes were held across several Indian cities to honour the memory of six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II.

Speaking to NDTV Azar said Israel observes the day not only as a moment of national mourning but also as a shared global responsibility. He emphasised the importance of collective remembrance to prevent such atrocities from being repeated. “We also coalesce with the world in order to remember it, because we have to learn the lessons of history and make sure that this never happens again,” he said.

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Azar cautioned that the resurgence of anti-Semitic incidents in different parts of the world has made remembrance more relevant than ever. He noted that misinformation, extremist ideologies, and political polarisation are contributing to renewed hostility toward Jewish communities, underscoring the need for vigilance and education.

The Israeli envoy also reaffirmed Israel’s firm position against Hamas, stressing that remembrance of the Holocaust strengthens Israel’s resolve to defend its citizens against terrorism and hatred. He said the lessons drawn from history inform Israel’s security policies and its approach to combating groups it considers existential threats.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. The day serves as a reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance and as a call for governments and societies worldwide to uphold human dignity and prevent genocide.

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