Full Breakdown
Israel Commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day with Survivor Testimony
4/14/2026, 4:35:46 AM
Commemorative Event in Ashkelon
On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's Knesset held a significant event in Ashkelon, featuring Holocaust survivor Yeshayahu Foyer, 93, who shared his harrowing experiences with youth groups. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana led the event, which was pre-recorded due to ongoing security tensions with Iran. Foyer recounted his childhood in Poland during World War II, detailing the confiscation of his family's farm and their forced relocation to a Jewish ghetto. His mother’s decision to separate him and his sister for safety led to a painful uncertainty about her fate, as he expressed, “To this day, I do not know what became of my sister.”
Foyer's survival story included two and a half years of hiding in forests, where he lost his family and faced extreme isolation. He emphasized the importance of hope and freedom, stating, “What helped me maintain hope was the desire to be a free person.” After the war, he immigrated to Israel in 1947, pursued religious studies, and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), joining the Golani Brigade.
Reflections on Resilience and Statehood
During the event, Foyer reflected on the strength he found in building a family after the war, having met his late wife, Dina, in Ashkelon. Together, they raised two children and welcomed 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ohana highlighted the significance of Israel's existence for the Jewish people, stating, “Today, the Jewish people have what they did not have during the Holocaust, a state that is our home and an army that fights for our security.” He urged the younger generation to appreciate the state’s existence, warning that threats against the Jewish people persist.
The event also featured participation from Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam and Knesset Director-General Moshe Chico Edri, who noted the importance of youth engagement in remembering the past. Ohana pointed out that the Knesset had been a target for Iranian missiles, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel.
Official Statements & Responses
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana emphasized the value of the state established after the Holocaust, stating, “Do not take the existence of the state for granted.” He reiterated the need for vigilance against those who seek to harm the Jewish people. The event served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of Holocaust survivors and the importance of their stories in shaping Israel's future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What helped me maintain hope was the desire to be a free person,” — Yeshayahu Foyer, Holocaust Survivor
- “Today, the Jewish people have what they did not have during the Holocaust, a state that is our home and an army that fights for our security,” — Amir Ohana, Knesset Speaker
- “Do not take the existence of the state for granted.” — Amir Ohana, Knesset Speaker
Holocaust Remembrance Day continues into Tuesday, with additional ceremonies planned to honor the memory of those lost during this dark chapter in history.
