The United States has extended a warm welcome to Israel as it begins its year-long presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA is dedicated to promoting accurate commemoration, education, and research about the Holocaust. In addition, the United States congratulated the United Kingdom on completing its successful presidency.
As a founding member of the IHRA, the United States remains committed to combating Holocaust distortion and denial. This commitment is part of an effort to enhance global understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust, with the aim of ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. The U.S. acknowledges Israel's leadership at a time when antisemitism is on the rise and fewer Holocaust survivors remain.
A recent visit to Yad Vashem highlighted for U.S. officials that the memory of six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust is still fresh in living memory. However, nearly 80 years after World War II ended, challenges persist in preserving accurate accounts of these events. "The Crossroads of Generations," Israel’s theme for its IHRA presidency, reflects these challenges.
Holocaust distortion and antisemitism continue to spread through violent acts against Jews, vandalism of memorials, and harmful rhetoric in educational institutions and international forums. The Trump Administration has taken a firm stance against antisemitism. "President Trump and I have made the United States’ position unmistakably clear: the United States will confront antisemitism with determination and resolve," stated an official.
The administration supports using the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a tool for identifying and countering antisemitic actions globally. By promoting this definition as part of U.S.-led Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, America aims to lead by example.
During Israel's presidency of IHRA, the United States plans to collaborate closely with Israel to preserve Holocaust memory and combat denial and distortion alongside other forms of antisemitism.