A solemn commemoration ceremony took place near “The Pit”, a monument to Holocaust victims in Minsk. The ceremony was dedicated to the 73 anniversary of the destruction of the Minsk ghetto. Former prisoners of the Minsk ghetto, Righteous Gentiles, representatives of public and religious organizations, and journalists were all present at the ceremony.

Chairman of the Union of Belarusian Jewish Public Associations and Communities (SBEOOO), member of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) General Council Boris Gersten stressed in his speech tat the memory of the Holocaust “needs to be preserved in our hearts so it is never repeated. [...] Events all over the planet have pointed to the possibility of repetition. Belarus in this respect is a place of tolerance and mutual respect people have towards each other. Let us guard that.” He also noted that it’s a testament to the scale of tragedy which took place in Belarus that not just one, but several October days are taken to commemorate the memory of those who perished in the destruction of entire Belarusian communities.

Speakers at the ceremony included Deputy Head of the Embassy of Israel in Belarus Yuliya Rachinski-Spivakov, former prisoner of the Minsk ghetto and Chairwoman of the Gilf Charity Association Frida Reisman, SBEOOO Deputy Chairpeople Galina Levina and Vladimir Chernitsky, Head of the Tamar Jewish youth community Artur Raiskiy.

A minute of silence was held to honor the victims. Chief Rabbi of the Association of Progressive Judaism Communities in Belarus Grigoriy Abramovich read a prayer, and wreaths were laid upon the memorial.