Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid his respects at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, during his two-day State visit to the country.
Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi stood in silence at the Hall of Remembrance as the Kaddish prayer was recited in memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. The solemn ceremony reflected respect, remembrance and a shared hope for peace and humanity.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared pictures of PM Modi’s visit to Yad Vashem on X.
“Honouring the memory of victims of the Holocaust and renewing our shared commitment to uphold peace and human dignity. PM Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. This was the second visit of PM to Yad Vashem. PM laid a wreath and paid homage to the victims of the Holocaust,” said Jaiswal.
“PM also visited the poignant Book of Names Hall, a powerful tribute preserving the memory of millions who perished during the holocaust. The memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the brutality of the past and our collective resolve to stand against injustice and create a better world,” he added.
Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is dedicated to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and honouring survivors. The memorial complex includes the Holocaust History Museum, the Hall of Names and the Children’s Memorial. It also recognises the “Righteous Among the Nations” – non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust – and serves as a global centre for education, research and remembrance.
On Wednesday, PM Modi addressed Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. During the visit, he was conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal – the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament – in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel.
The Prime Minister also visited a technology exhibition in Jerusalem, where he interacted with Israeli innovators in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and healthcare. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent, underscoring innovation as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.
(With ANI inputs)
