Millions Across Europe Mark International Holocaust Memorial Day

Marking International Holocaust Memorial Day of 2015, citizens and government officials around the world leave a light on in their home and office to commemorate the day and take a stand against global anti-Semitism.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, January 27, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Seventy-five years after World War II which saw the destruction of 67% of European Jewry, millions of people from countries around the globe join forces to collectively honor the innocent victims and protest the rise of anti-Semitism. Battling the recent wave of virulent anti-Semitism sweeping its way through Europe, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the European Jewish Association, proposed a stirring initiative called Light Up the Night! which took place last night, January 26th--the eve of International Holocaust Memorial Day. Heeding Margolin's call for world peace and the protection of human rights for all minorities, millions of peace-loving Europeans in Paris, London, Brussels, Geneva, Luxembourg, and metropolises, towns and villages across the continent joined forces to illuminate the darkness of night by leaving a light on in their home and/or office in a remarkable display of unity. This symbolic campaign was intended to remind people of the atrocities that occurred on European soil not long ago and prove that it is, indeed, possible to banish darkness and evil with the light of brotherly love and a collective desire for peace and harmony.

Participating in the initiative were noted government officials including Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission; Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission; and Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. The above each affirmed the importance of promoting world peace, eradicating senseless hatred, and respecting every human being's right to live in accordance to his beliefs. One participant described the glowing lights as "A profound demonstration of unity never before seen on European soil." Initiator Rabbi Margolin summed up the event, "This evening proved a tremendous success as millions of people around the world were exposed to our campaign which raises awareness of the Holocaust and [fights] the evil of anti-Semitism."

The European Jewish Association is the biggest federation of Jewish organizations and communities working all over Europe.

EJA and its members Jewish organizations and communities are the most activie Jewish oganizations in Europe and have 3 main goals:

To strengthen Jewish Identity and expand Jewish activities in Europe.
To defend Jewish interest in Europe.
To improve the image of Israel in Europe.

The modern European Jewish communities are facing challenges beyond the scope of regional initiatives with limited resources. Most of the Jews in Europe are not part of any community and most of children and students have a very limited knowledge of our culture and tradition. As the level of anti-Semitism in Europe is growing each day, European Jewry must act and defense our interest and future.

The state of Israel has invested a great deal in developing its relations with the US and its Jewry and caring for the Russian and former USSR nations Jewish communities. Due to lack of resources, the relationships between Israel, European countries and the European Jewish Diaspora doesn't seem to be a top priority for the state of Israel.

EJA helps its member organizations and communities with various resources and represents them in the political arena.

EJA's board include directors of member organizations.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) serves as the General director of EJA.

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