Norway hands over chair of Holocaust Task Force to Israel

Norway has held the chair of the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research (ITF) for the past year.  Norway has now handed over the chairmanship to Israel. Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, commented: “We took on this task with humility and deep commitment, and we are confident that Israel will continue this work in a positive way.” 

During its chairmanship, Norway has given priority to strengthening the ITF’s ability to meet the political challenges of today, such as growing anti-Semitism in several European countries and discrimination of the Romani people. 

“The Holocaust showed the ultimate horrific consequence of anti-Semitism, and is without parallel in history. We must ensure that future generations understand the causes of and reflect on the impact of the Holocaust. Such an atrocity must never be allowed to happen again,” said Mr Støre. 

The Norwegian chairmanship took the initiative to modernise the ITF and increase its efficiency in order to strengthen its political clout. 

“We have discussed the role of the chair with Israel and have full confidence that it will continue the work Norway has started to increase the ITF’s political relevance in the fight against anti-Semitism,” said Mr Støre. 

The ITF is the only international organisation that works exclusively to increase knowledge and awareness about the Holocaust. Under the Stockholm Declaration, its founding document, member states are committed to promote education, remembrance and research about the Holocaust. 

The chair rotates on a voluntary basis between the ITF’s 27 member states. Ambassador Tom Vraalsen has led and represented the ITF on behalf of Norway over the last year.