Commemorative event at Auschwitz
Antisemitism is still a threat
News story | Date: 27/01/2025 | Office of the Prime Minister
On Monday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon were present at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony marking the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. ‘The slaughter of the Jews during the Holocaust is without parallel in history. We all have a responsibility to fight antisemitism,’ said Prime Minister Støre.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. The date 27 January has been designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The Prime Minister and Crown Prince attended the commemorative event held at the entrance to the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Participating heads of state and dignitaries lit candles in memory of all those killed during the Nazi regime.
Mr Støre and Crown Prince Haakon also met Chana Aberman, a Holocaust survivor originally from Poland, who survived captivity in a concentration camp and came to Norway after the war.
‘It is deeply moving to meet and hear the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. Each has a unique story to tell about the suffering they endured and all the family members they lost and still mourn. Their testimonies must be preserved and passed on to future generations,’ said Prime Minister Støre.
In 1940, there were approximately 2 100 Jews living in Norway. Some 450 to 500 of them were Jewish refugees who had come to Norway from other countries. Of the 772 Jews who were deported from Norway to Auschwitz, only 37 survived. Roughly one in three Jews from Norway was murdered during the Nazi Holocaust. Norwegian Roma were also deported to the Nazi death camps.
‘Antisemitism is on the rise both in Norway and in other countries. Antisemitism and other forms of discrimination undermine trust and openness in our societies and are a problem it is essential to address regardless of who is being targeted. We must make it absolutely clear that all forms of discrimination and harassment against different ethnic groups and religious communities are unacceptable,’ said Mr Støre.