An event dedicated to the memory of Greek Jewish victims of the Holocaust was held in New York on January 26, marking the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day for Greek Jewry. The gathering was organized by the Consulate General of Greece in New York, in cooperation with the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece, and took place at the main auditorium of Hebrew College.
The event focused on remembrance, historical responsibility, and the preservation of Greek Jewish cultural heritage. Speakers emphasized that antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred have no place in contemporary society, underscoring the continued relevance of Holocaust memory beyond ceremonial observance.
Consul General Iphigenia Kanara spoke about the need to keep historical memory alive, not only as a way of honoring the victims but as a guide for confronting indifference, intolerance, and hate wherever they appear. The program was coordinated by Leon Levy, who served as master of ceremonies.
Remarks were also delivered by Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York, who condemned acts of antisemitism and violence, and by Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, who conveyed a message of friendship and solidarity on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Solomon Asher, president of the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece, emphasized the need to safeguard the historical legacy and cultural memory of Greek Jewry, a community nearly destroyed during the Nazi occupation.
A central moment of the evening was the screening of the short film 72 Hours, written and produced by Deno Seder and based on his book Miracle at Zakynthos: The Only Greek Jewish Community Saved in Its Entirety from Annihilation. The film recounts how the Jewish community of Zakynthos was spared during the Holocaust, highlighting the collective courage and solidarity shown by the island’s residents and local leadership.
The program concluded with a musical segment featuring performances by Meredeth Kelly and Pedro D’Aquino, offering a reflective close to an evening centered on remembrance and moral responsibility.
Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees gathered to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to reaffirm a shared responsibility across communities and generations.