Iași Pogrom commemoration: 'We have a duty to combat antisemitism, hatred, and extremism,' says Romanian official

Hubert Thuma, President of the Ilfov County Council, marked the 85th anniversary of the Iași Pogrom with a solemn commemoration, stressing the critical need to remember the past and actively fight against antisemitism, hatred, and extremism.

"85 years since the Iași Pogrom – 13,000 people were killed. I participated today in the ceremony commemorating the victims of the Iași Pogrom, a moment of silence and reflection on one of the most painful tragedies in Romania's history," Thuma stated on Facebook following his attendance at the official ceremony.

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85 years since the Iași Pogrom – 13,000 people were killed. I participated today in the ceremony commemorating the victims of the Iași Pogrom, a moment of silence and reflection on one of the most painful tragedies in Romania's history.

He highlighted the presence of distinguished guests, including the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and his wife, as well as His Eminence Metropolitan Teofan, whom Thuma described as a beacon of dialogue and responsibility. Thuma underscored the moral obligation to keep the memory of the victims alive and to confront intolerance wherever it appears.

"We have a duty to keep the memory of the victims alive and to combat antisemitism, hatred, and extremism, wherever they manifest. Let us never forget," Thuma declared. He also extended his congratulations to the representatives of the Israeli Embassy in Romania, led by H.E. Lior Ben Dor, and the mayor of Iași, Mihai Chirica, for organizing the significant event.

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We have a duty to keep the memory of the victims alive and to combat antisemitism, hatred, and extremism, wherever they manifest. Let us never forget.