Pictures of Holocaust victims are displayed on a screen during the International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at a cinema in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Israel in Seoul

Israeli Ambassador to Korea Rafael Harpaz on Thursday emphasized the enduring importance of Holocaust remembrance while drawing parallels to recent tragedies during the premiere of the Holocaust-themed film "The Commandant's Shadow" at a Seoul theater.

The event, co-hosted with German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt, marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which falls on Jan. 27. Harpaz highlighted the historical weight of the date, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp by the Soviet Army in 1945 and the over 6 million Jewish lives lost during World War II.

Israeli Ambassador to Korea Rafael Harpaz speaks during an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at a cinema in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Israel in Seoul

"This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the most horrific massacre in modern history," Harpaz said, addressing an audience that included ambassadors, academics and young Korean students. "More than 6 million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime and their collaborators, including 1.5 million children."

Speaking alongside the Israeli ambassador and other dignitaries, Schmidt marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, describing it as "a major part of a mass murder on an industrial scale."

Acknowledging Germany's role in the atrocities, Schmidt expressed gratitude for the decades of reconciliation between Germany and Israel. "I stand here in front of you as the ambassador of the country from where the Holocaust began. Isn't it a miracle that I can stand here together with the ambassador of the state of Israel?" he said. "Our relationship with Israel is a core of our foreign policy. Our friendship is an unspeakable gift."

Addressing the younger audience members present, Schmidt highlighted the importance of Holocaust education. "I am very grateful that you came today to learn more about events that happened long ago, far away. However, you might see some things that connect you with those events," he said.

He pointed to the film, "The Commandant's Shadow," as a powerful reminder of the lasting consequences of genocide and the need for vigilance against discrimination.

"It admonishes us that the responsibility of today's generation, especially the descendants of the perpetrators, does not end. The danger of something like this happening again is still there," Schmidt warned.

Harpaz linked the atrocities of the Holocaust to Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. "It was the largest massacre of Jews since World War II, and for many Israelis, it brought back memories and stories from the horrors of the Holocaust," he said solemnly. "Today, 79 hostages still remain in captivity, and our hopes and prayers are with them for their release as soon as possible."

German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt speaks during an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at a cinema in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of Israel in Seoul

With the number of remaining Holocaust survivors dwindling, Harpaz underscored the urgent need for the next generation to carry the torch of remembrance. "As time passes, fewer Holocaust survivors remain with us to share their firsthand stories," he said. "In a few years, there will be no living witnesses to tell their experiences. The heavy and important responsibility of ensuring that their memories are not forgotten is laid on us."

The Israeli ambassador addressed the participation of young Korean students at the event, calling their involvement "invaluable." He urged them to stand against the growing tide of antisemitism. "I urge you to carry the torch of remembrance and to stand up against antisemitism, one of the oldest forms of racial discrimination, which unfortunately not only still exists but even grows in those days," he said.

Harpaz concluded by expressing hope that the film would foster a deeper understanding of history and strengthen global commitments to peace and tolerance. "Never again," he said.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day was established by the United Nations in 2005 to honor victims of the Holocaust and promote education about genocide.