“Beyond Duty: Diplomats Recognized as Righteous Among the Nations” exhibition

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear children,
Dear friends,

A very warm welcome to this moving exhibition, “Beyond Duty: Diplomats Recognized as Righteous Among the Nations”, as part of the events for the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust this coming Sunday. Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to the delegation of the European Union and the Permanent Mission of Israel for bringing this to us and kindly organizing this important event at the Palais des Nations.

For more than 80 years, the Palais des Nations has been the home of multilateralism, with thousands of diplomats walking these halls. It therefore seems to me to be proper that we pay tribute here in this building to some of the most inspiring diplomats our world has seen, who demonstrated the best of humanity in one of the darkest periods of our history. Extraordinary times required extraordinary actions.

During the Holocaust, 36 diplomats from 21 countries risked their lives and the safety of their families, and went against their countries’ official policies, to save thousands of Jewish men, women and children. They violated laws for the greater ethical imperative, going above and beyond their duty to do the right thing - especially when it was most challenging. These individuals have been bestowed with the honor “Righteous Among the Nations” by Israel.

74 years after the end of World War Two, the actions of these courageous diplomats continue to inspire and motivate us. In a turbulent world, with news headlines dominated by conflict, discord and the ugly face of hatred emerging all too often, even in places where it was thought to have been stamped out, we need to recall the dedication and compassion of the “Righteous Among the Nations”. It is a lesson we can all learn from. As we work together to make our world a better place, let’s honor these brave individuals by recommitting ourselves to fighting hatred and indifference, and defending peace and human dignity. We can continue their legacy, right here, every day, in our daily lives.

Thank you for being with us here today.