On 27 January, the Tayar Foundation for Jewish Heritage in Malta marked the 81st International Holocaust Day with an interesting evening of reflection, history and nostalgia.

The event that was supported by The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and by the Embassy of the State of Israel attracted a large attendance which was addressed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg.

Borg underlined the importance of remembrance in light of the fact that soon the few survivors still alive, who experienced the horror of the holocaust, will no longer be here to testify. He stressed that we must honour the past but also safeguard dignity and diversity in the present.

Julius Nehorai, Chairman of the Tayar Foundation gave a deeply felt description of the Holocaust, "Not an accident of history, but the unfolding step by step through ideas left unchanged, prejudice normalised and indifference tolerated for too long".

Borg stressed the importance of education which is the mission of the Tayar Foundation and thanked the Ministry of Public Works and Planning for support in the forthcoming restoration of the Marsa Jewish Cemetery. Rabbi Chaim Segal then recited the very moving Holocaust Prayer.

The keynote speaker for the event was Sir Bernard Eder KC, son of Hans and Helga Eder, the family that set up the HARO shops soon after the Second World War. Sir Bernard recounted the fascinating story of his family's arrival and acceptance in Malta stating that he felt honoured to be invited to speak on this island which literally gave his family a future.

Historian Nathaniel Calleja Gera recounted the history of Jewish presence in Malta and drew up a parallel between the Maltese as a besieged nation for being a strategically located island, and the Jewish people besieged as a scapegoat for the woes of others.  

A brief chat with Patricia Salomone, moderator for the event, gave the speakers the chance to delve deeper into their speeches and to answer questions made by members of the public.

Refreshments were served at the end of the evening when guests were able to meet the speakers personally.