Holocaust survivor Irene Shashar addresses the European Parliament during a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). EP President Roberta Metsola is present and delivers an introductory speech. Prior to the ceremony, the President meets with Irene SHASHARAS, Holocaust survivor. Extracts from the meeting and from the speech in the hemicycle.

Brussels

plenary session

ceremony

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Holocaust remembrance (T)

president's agenda

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor, extracts from the ceremony

Exterior shots of the "WeRemember" banner (3 shots)

Meeting between Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor (7 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President: We remember the victims of the Holocaust. We remember the 6 million Jewish people, Romani people, LGBT communities, and many others who were stripped of their dignity because of their religious faith, their ethnicity, race or disability.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President: I am proud that this House speaks up against Holocaust deniers, against conspiracy myths, against disinformation and against violence that deliberately targets and singles out members of our communities. Because despite decades of effort, we have not yet done enough to combat discrimination.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President: We must continue to remember Europe's story, to remember its horrors and to treasure its accomplishment in overcoming them. To understand where we came from and why. And to teach these lessons to our children.

SOUNDBITE (English), Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor: I stand here today in front of you to tell you: Hitler did not win! The year is 1942. I am 5 years old. My mother, father and I are living in the Warsaw Ghetto. We are starving. Moving to the ghetto was only the beginning of our nightmare.

SOUNDBITE (English), Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor: Sadly, after October 7 the resurgence of antisemitism means that the hate of the past is still with us.  Jews are again not feeling safe living in Europe. After the Holocaust, this should be unacceptable. &ldquo;Never Again&rdquo; should truly mean NEVER AGAIN.

SOUNDBITE (English), Irene SHASHAR, Holocaust survivor: I am finally home. But my grandchildren must now fight for its survival. I call upon you, the Parliament of Europe, to help make my dream come true. Together with you we can end antisemitism and achieve a lasting peace. Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Dziekuje. Danke. Gracie. Obrigada.

Extracts from "Kaddish" by Maurice Ravel performed by Ms heva Tehoval, soprano, and Mr Marcelo Nisinman on the bandoneon (5 shots)