Event in Lisbon promoted by the Embassy of Israel in Portugal. Credit: Israel to Portugal
Lisbon marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day with two symbolic and institutional initiatives that underscored the importance of historical memory and the fight against antisemitism. The date was observed through the illumination of Praça do Comércio and a commemorative event held at a cinema, organized by the Embassy of Israel in Portugal.
On Monday, Praça do Comércio, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Portuguese capital, was lit in yellow. The initiative highlighted the statue of King José I and symbolized the yellow star that Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust, now reinterpreted as a symbol of remembrance, respect, and commitment to ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.
Praça do Comércio lit up in yellow. Credit: Carlos Moedas / Social Media
On social media, the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, emphasized the significance of the gesture. “On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we illuminated the statue of King José I in yellow. A color that recalls the stars imposed on Jews and that today symbolizes memory, respect, and commitment. Remembering is a duty. Combating hatred, antisemitism, and all forms of intolerance is a responsibility we all share,” he stated.
The Embassy of Israel in Portugal publicly thanked the Lisbon City Council for the tribute. In a statement, it said: “We thank the Mayor, Carlos Moedas, and the Municipality of Lisbon for illuminating the statue of King José I in yellow, in memory of the yellow star that Jews across Europe were forced to wear during the Holocaust. May we remember the past and renew our promise never to forget.”
Ambassador Oren Rozenblat and Rabbi Eli Rosenfeld. Credit: Israel to Portugal
Later the same day, the Embassy of Israel in Portugal hosted a commemorative event at the City Cinema in Lisbon, bringing together authorities and political representatives. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Israel to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, the rabbi Eli Rosenfeld, and the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Carlos Abreu Amorim.
In his remarks, the minister stated that he would do everything within his power to combat antisemitism. Ambassador Oren Rozenblat also stressed the need to confront hatred and intolerance, highlighting the importance of education and the preservation of Holocaust memory as essential tools to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Carlos Abreu Amorim. Credit: Israel to Portugal
Members of Parliament Bruno Ventura, Alexandre Poço, João de Almeida, and Pedro Pessanha also took part in the event and lit a candle in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, in a moment of reflection and tribute.
