Tensions Surround International Holocaust Remembrance Day Events

On January 27, 2026, during the United Nations (UN) Holocaust Remembrance Day event in New York City, Julian Voloj, the grandson of Holocaust survivors, was barred from attending after he photographed a confrontation involving Lizzy Savetsky, a pro-Israel influencer. Savetsky faced scrutiny from security for wearing a blazer adorned with a bedazzled Israeli flag, which led to her being asked to check her jacket before entering the General Assembly Hall. Voloj, who serves as the executive director of Be’chol Lashon, a nonprofit promoting Jewish diversity, expressed his outrage at being removed for supporting Savetsky, stating, “I’m just beyond words.” He had attended the event annually since 2007 and described the incident as a troubling experience that evoked feelings of inherited trauma.

Survivors grandson barred from UN Holocaust memorial eventMinisters left in tears as Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich makes speech at Number 10

Savetsky, who has a history of sharing provocative pro-Israel content, criticized the UN for what she perceived as antisemitism, suggesting that a Palestinian flag would not have elicited the same response from security. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among many Jewish groups and supporters of Israel, who have long accused the UN of bias against Israel, particularly following a recent UN commission's conclusion that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. The UN prohibits public displays that disrupt its activities, but Voloj noted that he had never seen anyone targeted for wearing national flags at the event before.

Survivors grandson barred from UN Holocaust memorial eventHolocaust survivor gives speech in Hebrew at UNGAMamdani visits Holocaust survivor at her apartment on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Coinciding with the Holocaust Remembrance Day, a rabbi was physically assaulted in Forest Hills, Queens, in what local officials condemned as a targeted antisemitic attack. The assailant reportedly shouted antisemitic slurs before attacking the rabbi. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials expressed their horror at the incident, emphasizing the urgent need to confront rising antisemitism. Mamdani stated, “There is no place for antisemitism in our city,” highlighting the ongoing threat faced by the Jewish community.

Queens rabbi attacked on Holocaust Remembrance DayRabbi attacked in Queens on Holocaust Remembrance DayRabbi attacked in New York City on Holocaust Remembrance Day

During the same commemoration, Holocaust survivor Sara Weinstein delivered a poignant testimony at the UN, marking the first time a survivor spoke in Hebrew at the event. Weinstein recounted her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past to combat rising antisemitism today. Her words resonated with many, including UN Ambassador Danny Danon, who called for action against hatred and violence.

Holocaust survivor gives speech in Hebrew at UNGA

In response to the incidents surrounding Holocaust Remembrance Day, various officials, including NYC Council members and the mayor, condemned the violence and reiterated their commitment to combating antisemitism. Mamdani's administration has faced scrutiny regarding its approach to Jewish issues, particularly following his anti-Zionist statements. However, he reaffirmed his dedication to addressing antisemitism and supporting the Jewish community.

Rabbi attacked in Queens on Holocaust Remembrance DayQueens rabbi attacked on Holocaust Remembrance DayMamdani visits Holocaust survivor at her apartment on Holocaust Remembrance Day

• “I do find it interesting that I was asked to check my Judaism at the door of an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event. Kind of ironic, no?” — Lizzy Savetsky, Pro-Israel Influencer

Survivors grandson barred from UN Holocaust memorial event

• “Being a grandson of Holocaust survivors and then being so badly treated at the UN and kicked out for standing up for someone who, politically, I might not even agree with, I mean, I’m just beyond words,” — Julian Voloj, Executive Director of Be’chol Lashon

Survivors grandson barred from UN Holocaust memorial event

• “There is no place for antisemitism in our city.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

Rabbi attacked in Queens on Holocaust Remembrance Day

• “The Holocaust didn't start with the gas chambers; it started with words, incitement, propaganda, jokes, accusations, and indifference.” — Sara Weinstein, Holocaust Survivor

Holocaust survivor gives speech in Hebrew at UNGA

The events of International Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2026 underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community, highlighting the need for vigilance against antisemitism and the importance of remembering the past.

Ministers left in tears as Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich makes speech at Number 10