The initiative was founded by businessman German Zakharyayev, who has worked for years to establish the day on both the Jewish and international calendars.<\/p>\n
Daniela Koceva, chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, said the combination of \u201cliberation\u201d and \u201crescue\u201d reflects the deeper meaning of the commemoration.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vision behind this initiative is not only to mark the end of the tragedy, but also to recognize the rebuilding that followed, express gratitude to the liberators and the Righteous Among the Nations, and turn remembrance into an ongoing moral responsibility,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
![\"AZERBAIJANI-BORN](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/france\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/720034.jpeg\"\/)
AZERBAIJANI-BORN businessman German Zakharyayev speaks at the event in Strasbourg, France earlier this week, May 2026. (credit: stmagi)<\/p>\n
Council of Europe official Irena Guidikova Milinova, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Alain Berset, warned about growing hatred and polarization across Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is an urgent need to strengthen the fight against antisemitism<\/a> and all forms of hatred,\u201d she said. \u201cThe Council of Europe sees the protection of Jewish life on the continent as an inseparable part of its historical and moral mission.\u201d<\/p>\n Rabbi Abraham Weill, chief rabbi of Strasbourg, linked the commemoration to the recent Passover holiday, saying Liberation and Rescue Day represents not only the end of a dark chapter, but also the beginning of moral and human reflection.<\/p>\n \u201cThe institutions themselves do not carry conscience,\u201d he said. \u201cHuman beings give meaning to history.\u201d<\/p>\n US Consul General in Strasbourg Yvonne Gonzalez said the day represents \u201cnot only the end of tyranny, but also the beginning of renewal.\u201d<\/p>\n She said the United States continues to play an active role in combating antisemitism worldwide.<\/p>\n \u201cLiberation reminds us that darkness can be defeated, but we must remain vigilant and determined,\u201d Gonzalez said. \u201cWe must continue the work of those who liberated Europe by building societies where hatred has no place.\u201d<\/p>\n The ceremony was opened by Rabbi Mendel Samama of Strasbourg\u2019s Hemedt Shlomo community, who spoke about the origins and significance of the initiative.<\/p>\n Holocaust remembrance must carry practical meaning for future, initiative founder says<\/p>\n