Đurić: Serbia to continue supporting the work of IHRA
Minister Đurić reaffirmed Serbia’s strong commitment to the work of IHRA, an organization that has made significant contributions over the decades to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that future generations never forget the atrocities that occurred more than 80 years ago.
In this context, he recalled that earlier this year, he represented Serbia at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
“Auschwitz was the most notorious Nazi camp, where countless innocent victims, the majority of whom were Jewish, suffered and were brutally murdered during World War II. I am pleased that, through IHRA’s work, we have ensured that schools worldwide educate young generations about the horrors of the Holocaust and the dangers of Nazism and other totalitarian ideologies,” Đurić stated.
He further noted that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Jasenovac concentration camp, emphasizing that Jasenovac was the largest and most tragic camp in this part of Europe, where Serbs, Jews, Roma, and members of other nations were murdered in the most brutal ways.
Minister Đurić reiterated Serbia’s unwavering support for IHRA, highlighting that, under the initiative of the Serbian government and President Aleksandar Vučić, the country has addressed key issues such as the restitution of property to Holocaust victims.
He also expressed concern over the ongoing suffering of the Jewish people, noting that hostages remain in captivity and are subjected to treatment reminiscent of some of the darkest moments in human history.
"On behalf of the Republic of Serbia and personally, I make the strongest appeal for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza, including Alon Ohel, a Serbian-Israeli national who has been in captivity for a prolonged period," Đurić emphasized.
The reception at the Embassy of Israel in Belgrade was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador Avivit Bar Ilan and British Ambassador Edward Ferguson, as Israel assumed the IHRA presidency from the United Kingdom.
