A Choice of Humanity: FOZ Museum Commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the Philippines Embassy
In a deeply moving and unique event held at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, International Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated in collaboration with the Embassy of the Philippines in Israel. The evening was dedicated to the extraordinary, yet lesser-known story of the Philippine people and their leadership during the darkest hours of World War II.
The Leader Who Opened His Doors When the World Remained Silent
The centerpiece of the evening was the screening of a powerful feature film chronicling the heroic actions of Manuel L. Quezon, the former President of the Philippines. At a time when nations across the globe turned their backs and closed their borders to Jewish refugees fleeing the horrors of Nazi-occupied Europe, Quezon chose to act out of deep moral conscience. Thanks to his courageous decision, over 1,200 Jews were saved, finding a safe haven in the Asian archipelago.
Living Testimonies of Gratitude
Prior to the screening, the audience heard heartfelt addresses from individuals whose lives were forever changed by this rescue mission:
H.E. Eileen S. Macapagal-Mandiola, Ambassador of the Philippines to Israel: Shared the immense national pride in this legacy of kindness and humanity.
Mr. Danny Weissler: The son of a Holocaust survivor saved by Quezon’s initiative, who spoke about the importance of passing this memory from generation to generation.
Mr. George Loewenstein: A Holocaust survivor who attended specifically to provide a living testimony. His presence served as a tangible reminder of how a single political decision can manifest into the literal salvation of lives.
“In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” President Quezon’s story remains an eternal reminder that one person’s courage can change the destiny of an entire people.
A Legacy of Light
The evening concluded with a solemn and stirring ceremony, lighting six memorial candles in honor of the six million victims of the Holocaust. The ceremony featured prominent figures representing the deep bond between Israel and the international community:
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee
Israeli Diplomat Gil Haskel
The Ambassador of Moldova Mr. Alexandr ROITMAN
Ambassador Eileen S. Macapagal-Mandiola
Survivors and descendants George Loewenstein and Danny Weissler
The Friends of Zion Museum is proud to continue serving as a home for stories of human heroism and unwavering support for the Jewish people throughout history.
