Simone Veil, “the mother of Europe” and first elected President of the European Parliament, was essential in creating European unity and advancing human rights. She advocated for women’s rights, was a key figure in legalizing abortion in France, and paved the way for women in leadership. As a Holocaust survivor, she knew how important European unification is. Veil's legacy continues to inspire, embodying the EU's motto of "unity in diversity" through her commitment to justice and human rights.

Simone Veil, the mother of Europe

In 2005, on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a United Nations resolution designated 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The word ‘Holocaust’ is of Greek origin and means ‘sacrifice by fire’. It is used to describe the persecution and subsequent mass murder of 6 million Jews in Europe at the hands of the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Between 1933 and 1945, other groups were also targeted by the Nazi regime and its allies, including Roma people, disabled people, Slavic people, as well as homosexuals, and members of certain religious and political groups.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Every year, the European Parliament holds a commemoration ceremony to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with the millions of other victims of Nazism.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: a story dedicated to its six million victims

27 January was designated in 2005 by the United Nations as an International memorial day commemorating the victims of the genocide committed by the Nazi regime and it's collaborators.

On 27 January 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi death camp was liberated by Soviet troops.

Holocaust remembrance day (2014-2020)

Holocaust Remembrance Day/Plenary session. Holocaust survivor Irene Shasharaddresses Parliament during a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). EP President Roberta Metsola opens the solemn ceremony with an introductory speech (Thursday at 11:30).

International Holocaust remembrance day/Plenary session

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Cello concert by Sam Lucas playing the works of Pál Hermann (1902-1944)

Holocaust Remembrance Day - Group photo with the leaders of political groups

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Meeting between Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Corrie Hermann, daughter of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann

80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

Holocaust Remembrance day: European Parliament buildings in Brussels display the banner #WeRemember

EP Plenary session - International Holocaust remembrance day - Leaders of political groups

EP Plenary session - International Holocaust remembrance day

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Washington D.C. (United States of America): visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

On behalf of the European Parliament, EP President, Roberta Metsola, apologies for the incident that took place on the 29th of January during the European Parliament solemn session on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the incident that took place during the Plenary on Holocaust Remembrance Day

European Parliament commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day at a plenary session in Brussels, with Corrie Hermann honouring her father, cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered by the Nazis in 1944. On this occasion, Sam Lucas gives a cello concert, playing the works of Pál Hermann. This news item shows extracts from the Cello concert by Sam Lucas in the Parlamentarium.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Cello concert by Sam Lucas playing the works of Pál Hermann (1902-1944): extracts from the concert

The European Parliament commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of the past. Established in 1995, this annual event coincides with the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on 27 January 1945. This year, the Parliament highlights the story of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered in the Holocaust. His Gagliano cello, saved from the Nazis and rediscovered decades later, symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of art. This clip shows the story of his cello.

Clip: International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025 - "The Cello of Pàl Hermann"

Corrie Hermann, daughter of the Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, and dr Kate Kennedy, biographer, make a statement on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day by the European Parliament. Born on 27 March 1902 in Budapest, Pál Hermann was a student of Béla Bartók and considered one of the best cellists of his era. He moved to Berlin in the 1920s and gave concerts all over Europe on his Gagliano cello. In 1933, Hermann fled to Belgium and France. Upon his arrest by the Nazis in Toulouse in 1944, he managed to throw a note from the train, asking for the Gagliano to be saved from the Nazis. The note was found and a friend of Hermann's cycled 100 kilometres to rescue the instrument. Hermann was murdered by the Nazis in a camp in the Baltics in 1944. His cello was rediscovered 80 years later being played by a competitor in the Queen Elisabeth Competition.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: statement by Corrie Hermann, daughter of the cellist Pál Hermann and by Kate Kennedy, biographer

The European Parliament commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of the past. Established in 1995, this annual event coincides with the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on 27 January 1945. This year, the Parliament highlights the story of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered in the Holocaust. His Gagliano cello, saved from the Nazis and rediscovered decades later, symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of art. The ceremony includes a speech by Hermann’s daughter, Corrie Hermann, and a performance of his music by cellist Sam Lucas. Through remembrance and education, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, promoting tolerance, and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Closing of the ceremony

The European Parliament commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of the past. Established in 1995, this annual event coincides with the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on 27 January 1945. This year, the Parliament highlights the story of Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered in the Holocaust. His Gagliano cello, saved from the Nazis and rediscovered decades later, symbolizes resilience and the enduring power of art. The ceremony includes a speech by Hermann’s daughter, Corrie Hermann, and a performance of his music by cellist Sam Lucas. Through remembrance and education, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, promoting tolerance, and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.

Holocaust remembrance (T)

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