On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Azerbaijan and international partners discuss combating Antisemitism, hate speech, xenophobia and racism

The event is organized by the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the State of Israel, the Centre of Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan, ADA University and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Following the opening remarks, the participants will have a unique opportunity to listen to the story of the Holocaust survivor, Mr. Lev Zakharovich Shvartz, who is originally from Ukraine and lives today in Baku. Mr. Shvarz will tell the story of his small community of about 3,000 Jews, which was completely destroyed by Nazi Germany. His family faced the horror of the Holocaust but miraculously escaped from death.  

A panel discussion with the participation of experts from the government think-tank, Parliament and civil society will focus on the dangers of Antisemitism, xenophobia and racist trends, exchange views on possible actions to counter these detrimental phenomena, including the acceptance of IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism. 

The event will conclude with the adoption of the “Guardians of Remembrance” initiative and the introduction of people who will serve as guardians to commemorate the story of Mr. Shvartz.

As part of the commemoration of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, the UN Office in Azerbaijan, the UN Outreach Programme on the Holocaust, the Embassy of the State of Israel and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have launched a social media campaign from 24 to 30 January. The campaign features seven Azerbaijani influencers reading a one-minute excerpt from the Diary of Anne Frank. The video messages are available on social media channels of the diplomatic missions.