In a collaborative effort with the Jewish Community in Montenegro, the Assembly commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th with an impactful symbolic program.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Nikola Camaj, along with Jewish Community representative Miriam Balken and Deputy Ambassador of Israel Aleksandra Ben Ari, symbolically lit six candles to honor the memory of the six million victims. Attendees were then invited to explore the exhibition titled “Traces of Light – Being a Woman in the Holocaust.”

Camaj highlighted the significance of this day’s observance.

“Observing this day is a chance to honor the millions of innocent lives lost and to urge global citizens to foster love, compassion, understanding, and peace instead of radicalism, extremism, totalitarianism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and other forms of hatred. The exhibition today illustrates that even in the darkest times, human dignity remains invaluable. Let us ensure it is never forgotten and that such horrors never recur,” stated Camaj, as reported by Media Biro.

Balken remarked that the exhibition, “Traces of Light – Being a Woman in the Holocaust,” curated by the Yad Vashem Museum, not only portrays the tragedy faced by women who lost their families, homes, and fundamental human rights but also showcases their remarkable bravery in striving to survive and maintain their dignity.

“The Holocaust represented not only a widespread annihilation of life but also a devastating assault on the spirit. Among the countless victims, women endured immense hardships while displaying extraordinary strength and resilience. During the darkest hours, many women emerged as pillars of support and leadership within their families and communities. They undertook the immense responsibilities of ensuring survival, caring for children and the elderly, and relentlessly fighting for a glimmer of humanity. They organized covert schools, maintained soup kitchens, offered medical care, and continued to educate, love, and dream amidst extreme adversity,” she conveyed.

She urged that the narratives of women from the Holocaust serve as everlasting reminders, ensuring that such a history is never repeated.

“We appreciate your presence today as we honor our memories and glean lessons from the past for a brighter future. May love and kindness persist in humanity eternally.”

Nina Ofner Bokan, president of the Jewish Community in Montenegro, who is currently in Poland as part of the Montenegrin delegation led by President Jakov Milatović, delivered remarks via a video message to the attendees as they commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.

“Holocaust Remembrance Day transcends mere remembrance of a tragedy; it serves as a clarion call to action, an obligation to combat anti-Semitism, discrimination, and all varieties of hatred. The Holocaust forms an integral part of Jewish history and also intertwines with the universal human narrative of responsibility and resilience. It is incumbent upon each of us to safeguard the memories of the victims and ensure that such evil never recurs. I hope today’s event inspires continued efforts toward a world where diversity is embraced and not condemned, with justice and human dignity as our guiding principles,” asserted Ofner Bokan.

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